I'll Catch You!

Today, God encouraged my soul, as I read Matthew14:25-31: "During the fourth watch of the night 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." (NIV)


Isn't that how it happens? We catch a glimpse of God and want to run towards Him .We answer His call. We step out of the boat. We are filled with faith to do the impossible. We aren't worried about the risk of serving Him or walking towards Him. Like Peter, we see Jesus and say...OH, GOD. If that's really You, choose me...call to me...I want to be near you and do what you are doing!

BUT THEN...the reality of our risk overwhelms us. We begin thinking, Holy crud...what have I done? I'm at risk here. I could drown. The waves are too big. What I'm doing is impossible...The reality of our obstacles overpower us, the waves of impossibility engulf us, uncertainties impede and immobilize our faith...and...like Peter...we start sink!


Friend, where are you today? Are you sinking? Lost in your problems, overtaken by your hindrances, distracted by your complications? If so, let me say...YOU'RE GOING TO BE OK. I applaud you for stepping out of the boat. Miracles happen when we answer Jesus' command to come to Him. When you answer His voice you'll naturally face fear and at times...you'll probably even sink. I know I sure do.

BUT...


I find courage by Peter's story. Strength for my journey. Hope in my circumstances. And, my Faith stands strong knowing that when I sink and cry out to GOD...HE WILL REACH OUT HIS HAND to CATCH me, too!!!


I'm not saying we should blindly step out and conjure up some noble notion and tell GOD, here I go now bless me. Instead, faith simply hears God's voice and aligns itself up with His call. Faith follows GOD'S lead. Faith simply recognizes God's will and trusts Him to accomplish all He promised. Faith knows that even when we fail...God is faithful to forgive, to heal, to restore, to strength, and will accomplish ALL that HE has promised.

• Today, be encouraged by Psalm91:9-16. It says: "If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the LORD, who is my refuge —  then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (NIV)

• Call out for help. God is near. Psalm 34:17-18, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (NIV)

• Remember, You are not alone. Isaiah 43:2-3: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
  and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire,
  you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NIV

Today, I sense God saying, don't be afraid. Come to Me. And if you sink, if you fall, don't worry...I'll Catch You!