In the Gospel we read of doubt and fear in the Apostles of Jesus Christ. In a raging storm at sea in the middle of the night, Jesus approached their small boat. The Apostles were so consumed by fear during the storm they believed they were going to die so when they saw Jesus walking on water toward them they thought He was a ghost. “And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’” (Matthew 14.26-27)
Peter responded with a hint of doubt, “’Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.” (Matthew 14.28-29) Peter’s willingness to have faith, even in the midst of doubt and fear, was blessed by God and Peter was able to walk on water so long as he kept his focus upon God. “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” (Matthew 14.30)
Fear and doubt have a way of consuming our lives especially in difficult economic times. With the worst economy since the Great Depression and the constant threat of job loss and unemployment, it is easy to be overwhelmed by fear and panic. We begin to sink into debt hoping that our situation will turn around but the waves of life keep crashing against us and we begin to lose hope. Like Peter we try to remain focused on God but the storm keeps distracting us until we feel like there is nothing left…
Just then we remember…Jesus is there for us. We only need to see Him and ask for help. “And immediately Jesus will stretch out His hand and catch us.” (Matthew 14.31) Don’t panic, just keep focused on God.
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