When they saw Jesus walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke with them and said, “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Mark 6:49-50 (CSB)
After miraculously feeding thousands, Jesus told the apostles to board a boat and head to the opposite shore. He stayed behind for some time to pray alone. During the night, a storm formed that caused even the experienced fishermen to struggle.
In these conditions, Jesus stepped onto the water and began walking to the other side. When the disciples saw him and were frightened, Jesus spoke to calm them.
Both this and the feeding show Jesus’ absolute control over nature as the Son of God. Even the molecules of water beneath his feet bend to his will. This also shows the calming effect of God upon his people.
Scripture often confronts our fearful hearts with the command “don’t be afraid.” Fear and faith are opposite poles. Fear comes when we look at a situation and find it overwhelming, sometimes being overwhelmed by the sense of the unknown. Fear creeps in at times when we think we have perfectly rational reasons while other fear is irrational from every angle that we can view it.
Faith, however, trusts that God is actually in control. Even if we don’t understand a situation, even if it does overwhelm our abilities, and even if it ultimately leaves us drowned in a sea. Faith looks to God and says, “I trust you no matter what, because you are good, you love me, and you are bigger than everything in the universe you created.”
Trust Jesus in faith. Trust him even with your deepest fears. After all, there is not a molecule in creation beyond his control.
Image taken and modified from pixabay.com.
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