A Prayer to Pray when the Worry of Tomorrow Overwhelms Us
By Laura Bailey
Bible Studying:
“However Jesus instantly stated to them: “Take braveness! It’s I. Don’t be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27 NIV
Hear or Learn Beneath:
My husband and I are full historical past nerds—Historic Historical past, Center Ages, Fashionable Age—there isn’t an period unable to pique our curiosity. For many, studying about days lengthy gone ranks proper up there with a go to to the dentist. Amidst the present international disaster, we really feel like we’re in uncharted territory. A peek into the pages of historical past reveals a distinct story. Throughout his inaugural speech in 1933, newly elected president Franklin Roosevelt advised the American public, “The one factor we’ve got to concern is concern itself.” This assertion has resonated with individuals going through troublesome conditions worldwide ever since. With the rise of totalitarian governments worldwide and the collapse of economies worldwide, individuals had ample to concern in 1933. For a lot of, the uncertainty that plagues our nation and world is the supply of a lot anxiousness and concern. One night time, in want of God to offer me braveness, hope, and continued belief in His goodness, I lately bowed my head and prayed. Whereas praying, the acquainted story of Jesus strolling on water got here to thoughts. I lingered over Matthew 14:27, “However Jesus instantly stated to them: “Take braveness! It’s I. Don’t be afraid.”
Jesus despatched the disciples out to sea so he may go as much as a mountainside to be alone and pray. The disciples spent the night time amid a storm buffeted by wind and waves. Within the early morning hours, they had been greeted by an unknown presence strolling on the water towards their boat. Most translations use the phrase “terrified” to explain the disciples’ response, whereas others learn “they had been filled with concern.” Furthermore, the passage states that the disciples really cried out in concern, considering they had been seeing a ghost. Jesus instantly responded, “Don’t be afraid.” Upon listening to this, one would assume the disciples would have breathed reduction, exclaiming, “We all know him! It’s Jesus! He performs miracles! Now we have nothing to concern!” Besides, it didn’t fairly go that method.
Peter’s concern lingered. Demanding proof that it actually was Jesus, he climbed out of the boat and commenced strolling on the water towards Jesus. I’d really feel fairly assured at this level, however what about Peter? The wind kicked up, and as soon as once more, concern overcame him. Peter started to sink, so he implored the Lord to avoid wasting him, which Jesus did by reaching out His hand to snatch him. In distinction to Peter’s response, I puff out my chest, fairly happy with my “unwavering religion” in Jesus always. Nevertheless, in actuality, a scratch on the floor of my soul reveals a distinct image—I’m not afraid when life sails easily and the long run shines brightly. Certain, it’s simple to belief in God’s goodness and provision for my household and me then. What’s there to concern? However when waves of uncertainty swell and the “what-ifs” surge, and the deck on which my life stands turns into barely seen, I lose my grip, sinking into doubt and concern. I doubt God’s safety and windfall, and if sincere, I doubt God Himself.
You will need to observe that Jesus didn’t criticize Peter for his concern however for his lack of religion. Image your self getting out of a ship to stroll on water towards Jesus. Think about Peter’s eyes locked in our Savior’s as he inched towards him. When all was calm, so was Peter, however when the state of affairs shifted, his religion wavered. I confess to being identical to Peter, trusting God till the slightest trace of an unsettling breeze rocks my world. The brightest time to shine for Christ is when the world is darkest. Religion in Christ doesn’t eradicate fear; it isn’t a magic capsule to make us overlook our fears. Bear in mind, when sinking, Peter took maintain of Jesus’s hand to carry him up out of the deep. Belief in Jesus and God’s sovereignty provides us hope, which sustains and lifts us up irrespective of the storms we should climate, worldwide or individually. Jesus is the grasp of all.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, we all know You’re in management; allow us to maintain quick to Your guarantees after we encounter storms and stress. Even in occasions of disaster, allow us to keep in mind to serve others, searching for his or her pursuits above our personal. Allow us to not permit the concern of tomorrow to empty the goodness of immediately.
In Jesus’ Identify, Amen.
Photograph credit score: ©GettyImages/TinnakornJorruang
Associated Useful resource: Jesus Calling – Tales of Religion
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