Living Fearlessly: Day One
- MKG
- May 2, 2017
- 2 min read
Day One of this Fearlessly Living challenge is Mark 6, verses 45-55.
Immediately the title, “Jesus walks on water” catches my eye.
What an overwhelming thing that is to take in.
I sit in awe trying to picture how I would react to seeing Jesus walk towards me while I am on a boat in the middle of the water.
It’s breath taking to say the least.
I would probably be terrified too.
But, I absolutely love this passage and what it speaks about fear.
Jesus walked towards His disciples on the water, and they cried in terror the scripture says.
They thought He was a ghost.
And then Jesus says: “Do not be afraid, take courage! I am here!”
Wow.
One moment they are in serious trouble on the boat, with the waves crashing into them, then the next they are confronted by Jesus walking on top of the water reminding them that it is all going to be okay.
You see, Jesus recognizing when we are in trouble and He walks on the water towards you to HELP you.
He will calm the waves surrounding you and comfort you.
Another thing I find absolutely amazing is the parallel between Mark 6:45-55 and Matthew 14:22-33.
They are the same story, but I love what the passage from Matthew points out.
It goes on past their cries of terror to Peter questioning God. “Lord, if this is really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
He tells Peter to come, and He walks forward, onto the water towards Jesus.
But then, he notices the wind and the waves.
He takes his focus off of Jesus and begins to drown, calling out to Jesus to save him!
Of course, Jesus immediately reaches out to save Him, but asks, “Why did you doubt me?”
Fear causes doubt in God!
The moment Peter chose to notice and focus in on the things that were causing him great fear, he broke his focus on the Lord and he began to drown.
Guys, we will drown in our fears if we choose to focus on them and let them consume us.
If God calls you out upon the water, do not question Him or fear what He is asking you to do, walk forward.
But, only keep your focus on Him.
Don’t look elsewhere.
Don’t let the waves of fear take over and drown you, only look ahead and TRUST that God will move you past those waves.
Once you read the passage from Mark 6, I encourage you to read from Matthew 14 too.
Notice how similar they are but also recognize the difference in how they speak about fear.
One reminds us that He NOTICES when we are in trouble and should not fear the situation around us because He is coming to rescue us.
The other pushes us to see that when we choose fear we are doubting the Lord!
Pray over these two passages tonight.
Let them speak to you, and let that truth resonate within your heart.
Fear causes doubt, but faith creates impact.
An impact strong enough to take down the waves.
MKG
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