Column Post by Aj Luck
“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.“You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:25-33
At times in my life I am in that boat. I’m trying to navigate the waters, but sometimes they get too rough. I need help. I want to step onto the water and walk straight into the arms of my Creator. But I’m afraid.
Still, I take a step. With one foot out on the water and my other leg trembling in trepidation, doubt robs my confidence.
A waterspout of circumstance surrounds me. I need to keep my eyes on God, not the problems, but somehow I keep getting pulled into the powerful vortex of spinning nonsense.
I worry about what people might think.
I convince myself I can’t… (Fill in the blank.)
I tell myself I have to try to fix my situation.
I begin to look at me instead of the One who made me.
Stifled in my path toward my creator, my fear feeds the ever-growing tornado of doubt.
I don’t know about you, but the more attention I pay to the storm, the more I sink into worry. Fear. Depression. Anxiety. And the less I am able to walk towards my Creator with confidence. Trust that He is in control. Submit all of my cares and worries to Him.
I want to step out, but I sink instead. I am exhausted. Mentally, physically, spiritually. I can’t keep allowing my fear to feed the storm. I have to ignore it. I have to learn to recognize the ONE who is inevitably in control of everything—storms and all.
Friend, do you feel trapped by circumstance? Don’t allow the storms to keep you in the boat. Grab my hand, and let’s step out toward our Creator together.
Father God, please forgive me for serving these storms instead of surrendering them to you. Help me to stand strong on the promises you gave me. Enable my feet to forever move forward toward you. Help me cling onto you when I feel like I’m drowning. May I always know and trust that you truly are the Son of God. Amen.
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Aj is a blogger, bookworm, wife and mommy, and an author of children’s books, spiritual thrillers, and inspirational works. Aj’s blog, Shattered Perspectives, is dedicated to encouraging and helping women who have suffered and/or are struggling with abuse. In her spare time Aj can be found nursing cold Diet Cokes and searching for awesome bargains in nearby thrift stores. She resides in Florida with her husband, son, two dogs and the biggest diva of a Siamese cat ever, and can be reached by email at aj@shatteredperspectives.com. For media requests pertaining to Write Where It Hurts, please contact Aj at info@WriteWhereItHurts.org.
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