Morning Advent Family, 

In our final installment of “Faith over Fear”, a walk through Matthew 14:1-29, we move from Jesus’ feeding of the 5000 to His miraculous miracle of walking on water and how we can learn from this how to choose faith over fear.

 Choosing Faith Over Fear (Matthew 14:27-29)

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on water, they were terrified. But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter’s response was a mixture of faith and fear. He stepped out of the boat but began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. When we step out of the boat in our lives to follow Jesus’ call, we can learn from Peter to keep our eyes on him.  There will be waves, squalls, splashes that will try to distract us and divert our gaze from Him, but if we can keep our eyes on Him, we will not be deterred.  When we do, he will be there to catch us.  This moment illustrates the struggle between faith and fear, but also how Jesus is always there to catch us.

This brings us to ask ourselves, where in your life are you struggling between faith and fear? Jesus is calling you to step out in faith, even when the circumstances seem impossible. Keep your eyes on Him, and He will keep you from sinking. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Lord Jesus, help us to choose faith over fear. When we face challenges that seem overwhelming, remind us that You are with us, guiding us, and keeping us from sinking. Strengthen our faith and help us to keep our eyes on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

And remember Jesus loves you and so do I.

Pastor Will