Thought of the Day !!

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against (the disciples) and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.

But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."

Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."

He said, "Come ahead."

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"
Matthew 14:24-31 (The Message)

(Part 1 of 2)

The disciples were out at sea when a storm arose. Storms can be dangerous. They can be deadly. They can be scary. They can leave people battered and bruised, feeling a sense of hopelessness. We've all seen this through the aftermath of last year's devastating Katrina.

The disciples were trying to hang on for dear life through their storm when all of a sudden it was made worse by what they could only envision as being a ghost. As if things weren't already dangerous, deadly and scary enough, now they're seeing ghosts. What would they do? Where would they turn?

Ironically, it's the perceived ghost itself. For we know that the ghost is actually Jesus. Jesus speaks to them and says "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." He makes this claim to his disciples. And he makes it to each of us as we go through our own storms in life as well.

First he tells us to have courage. The Greek here can even mean to be of good cheer.

This by itself means absolutely nothing. It's like me telling a person dying from cancer to cheer up without giving any reason why. But Jesus doesn't end there. He goes on to say that "it's me". He's telling them that the Son of God is who they have with them instead of a ghost.

Thirdly, he tells them (and us) "Don't be afraid." He's encouraging us, saying that because he is with us, that everything will be OK. It may not work out the way we want it to. But then again, things didn't quite work out the way the disciples wanted, or even expected, either. However, things will all work out in the end, for God has a plan.

So when you're weathering your own storm, know that you can gain courage from the one that you have claimed to put your trust in, Jesus. Know that he's there, even when you think things are at their worst. And find your strength and comfort to get you through the fear from Him.

Tomorrow we will talk about Peter and his brush with death on the high seas.

In the love of Christ,
greg