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Walk on Water

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But He said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
John 6:19‭-‬21 NIV

Two aspects of this selection of scripture make my mind race. First, I wonder how they could be frightened. When I put myself in their shoes I can understand maybe being frightened at first. Seeing what looked like a person's silouette in the distance and on the water would be uncomfortable. I'd certainly be curious and maybe a bit freaked out. However there is no doubt in my mind that when I made out who it was walking towards me, I'd be excited. I'd probably call out to them, "Hey Jesus! Is that you?"

I'd be excited to see them and mesmerized at what I was seeing. "That's my friend and he's walking on water! How is he doing that? I want him to teach me", I'd think. I'd wonder what the trick was and how he was pulling off such an amazing feat. It would be like learning that my friend Clark Kent was also Superman! I'd have question after question for my friend.

The selection ends in an odd and abrupt way. This is the second aspect that makes my mind race. It says after they overcame their fear they allowed Jesus in the boat. They reached their destination. They got over their fear, let Jesus in the boat, and ta-da they arrived. The journey was never about the destination, but the letting go of fear along the way. It was about trusting Jesus even when you can’t understand what your eyes are seeing.  

Isn't this the case for all of us? We let fear hold us back from really letting Jesus in. We know Him and He's our friend, but when something unsettling happens we let our emotions get swept away in fear. Yet, when we relent, surrender and let Jesus take over. Fear cowers in the presence of our Lord. It is powerless to a person whose identity and trust are in Jesus.

Fight the fear by allowing Jesus in your boat. Get mesmerized by his walking on water and be brave enough to ask him to teach you how to walk on water with Him. 

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt

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