Jesus comes to meet us in our time of need in ways we never expect.
Over the last two days we have imagined opening our mailbox and finding cards from God that said “Go” and “I am praying for you”.
Imagine that there was nothing in the mailbox this morning. Then later in the day with the phone ringing, our kids needing us, our inbox overflowing with work that needed to be done yesterday, more messages coming in then we can keep up with and our computer acting up, we rush past our mailbox to grab another coffee and we notice a postcard. How did that get there? As you glance at the postcard you see a picture of a dude surfing on the waves in a storm. Junk Mail??? There is too much work to do, to be interrupted by junk mail. But just before you toss the card in the garbage, you turn it over and read these words ‘Take courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid!”
Jesus comes to meet us in our time of need in ways we never expect.
Jesus comes as the shepherd to care for his sheep.
Jesus comes as the champion strong enough to save each of us who call on him in faith.
Jesus comes prepared with the power to save you and I even when we are overwhelmed with life, drowning in doubts or beset by countless troubles.
We read in Matt 14:24-26 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
I wonder how Jesus came to the disciples who were soaking wet, exhausted from rowing all night long, and frustrated that they were getting nowhere.
- Did Gabriel fly above Jesus holding an umbrella over him to keep him dry?
- Did the angels’ role out a red carpet for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to walk on?
- Did the water part like the Red Sea and did Jesus walk along the bottom of the lake, and then did the water form a stair case Jesus could walk up to get to the disciple’s boat?
- Or did the one who created the water, the winds, lightening, and thunder take off his sandals, and come climbing up the waves, and surfing down delighting in the power of his creation? Can you picture Jesus with his robe whipping around in the wind as he races up another wave and slides down in bare feet, with a wild grin on his face as he walks towards the disciple’s boat?
Jesus reveals himself to us in all his majesty not to terrorize us or diminish us, but to save, uphold and establish us, his beloved creation!
When Jesus comes to us, he is not silent! In the midst of the storms and stresses of life and shattered dreams Jesus speaks to us:
- Words that bring peace
- Words that provide confidence so we don’t yield to our fears
- Words that Instill courage
His voice
- Assures us that God is indeed the Good News we need in the midst of the storms of life.
- Reminds us of the hope we have
- Reminds us of God’s promises
Natural impossibilities yield before the will, word and power of Jesus.
Today, this moment the great “I AM” is here with you, trampling victoriously over the waves! God the creator of the world, God the victor over chaos, is here inviting us in stress of life to stand still and watch a miracle unfold before our eyes.
This moment hear Jesus’ words to you … “Take Courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid!” and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today!
What great things could Jesus do through us today when we hear his voice and follow him?
Prayer: Lord, you didn’t come the way I expected you to come. You didn’t come when I expected you come. But I thank you that you have been with me throughout this day. Forgive me for my fear and my doubts. As I reach out to take your hand, calm my fears, open my eyes to see you, open my ears to hear you say once again “Take Courage! It is I! Don’t be afraid! Amen.
