Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC

Matthew 14:27 (NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!

We’ve all been there…that moment when you find yourself thinking, “I can’t do this anymore!” Whether it’s a few steps into a brand new endeavor or just one too many days of the same old challenge, we can begin to feel like we are not cut out for the task at hand.  

In my life I can recall many of these seasons: college math, my first teaching job, raising toddlers, moving overseas, the list goes on.  I might have started out confident, but it didn’t take long until I was in over my head and drowning in anxiety, frustration, and even fear.  I did not feel cut out for the job and often found myself saying, “Help! What was I thinking, I can’t do this!” Yet prayerfully I had trusted God into these situations.  So why the sinking feeling?  

When I look back, these seasons were pivotal markers that God used to grow my faith in Him.  Yes they were daily life kinds of things, but Jesus was calling me out onto the water. He was and continues to use seasons of daily life stuff to grow my faith and teach me to rely on Him rather than myself.  How about you? What trying seasons of daily life come to your mind? What new endeavors feel a little overwhelming right now?  

Peter certainly knew this sinking feeling as he walked out onto the water to Jesus from the boat,  “Lord if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. But as we read in Matthew 14, as Peter walked out to Jesus, he saw the threatening wind and waves.  He was afraid and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” He shouted. At that moment, Jesus reached out and grabbed Peter and said to him, “You have so little faith. Why did you doubt me?” They climbed back into the boat and the wind stopped.  The disciples worshipped Jesus, saying “you really are the Son of God!”  

Peter’s eyes were off of Jesus, and when I reflect back on seasons of sinking, I realize mine were too. Like Peter, I became focused on fear and the hurdles and frustrations around me.  New opportunities or routine situations, can all of a sudden look and feel like strong wind and waves. A failing class can threaten a college degree. We can feel hopelessly trapped in a difficult parenting season. Starting over in a new town and a new job can feel super scary.  Are your eyes focused on the wind and waves or have you locked eyes with your Savior?  

Jesus will equip you for whatever you find under your feet today.  Where does our help come from ? Psalm 121 tells us, “My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth!” Jesus tells us to come to Him. Our faith in Him gives us the sure footing, and as we follow his call, Jesus sustains us out on the water with his strength and power. 

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, forgive my doubt and fear.  Why do I let worries of daily life seem bigger than You, the Creator of the World?  Lift my head, remind me to focus on You, and sustain me, in whatever situation I face today. Calm any fear and anxiety that threatens.  Thank you Lord that even in the midst of strong wind and waves, you call me to your side and promise peace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Joel 2:25
I will restore to you the years
    that the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
   my great army, which I sent among you.