Walk This Way

When the Lord speaks something to you His very words have power.   Have you ever had one of those mornings when you get out of bed just full of anxiety about your day ahead?  This morning was like that for me -because I had several work matters on my mind that I feared would go wrong.  I actually felt all the symptoms of fear even though I knew my problems couldn't possibly compare to the more serious problems people can have.  I went ahead anyway with my 'Quiet Time' which presently consists of reading the book of Matthew. While reading it the following words literally jumped off the page at me. “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew14:27) Jesus spoke these words while he was walking on water towards his disciples -who feared he was a ghost. Yet somehow, Jesus also spoke those same words to me while I was sitting at home. 

Sometimes when fear strikes me I'll pray to God to take it away; but often my fear remains sticking to me like glue. This time while reading, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid,” my fear and all anxiety were immediately lifted from me.  It was such a powerful change that all traces of fear -even the vapor trails- were suddenly and completely gone. Instead I was left with feelings of amazement, joy and thankfulness. There are many layers to this scripture but for the first time, I simply focused on the reasons why Jesus was walking on water. He did it to be with his friends. And he did it to be with us too.  My day after my encounter with Jesus walking on water was a blessed day. I was fearless, joyful and full of hope.