Lent Devotional Day 13

Day 13
Monday, March 6th


John 6:16-21
16 When evening came, Jesus’ disciples went down to the lake. 17 They got into a boat and were crossing the lake to Capernaum. It was already getting dark, and Jesus hadn’t come to them yet. 18 The water was getting rough, because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When the wind had driven them out for about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He was approaching the boat, and they were afraid. 20 He said to them, “It is I; Don’t be afraid.” 21 Then, they wanted to take him into the boat, and just then the boat reached the land where they had been heading.

Reflection
It’s night time and you’re far away from a place of stability, solid ground, land. Where is Jesus?  Where is some help?

Jesus then approaches you and your situation and it’s terrifying. Having Jesus engage us, show up, is typically described as powerful and pleasant. But here the disciples, though needing Jesus’ help, are afraid of his presence. 

When Jesus shows up as nudge, idea, peace, ioy, and even righteous anger it can be scary. Sometimes the more nervous or fearful I feel about a direction or decision, the more sure I am that God is up to something. 

Jesus says don’t be afraid. I read in Gay Hendricks’ book The Big Leap that “fear is excitement without the breath.”  Read that again. Now take a breath. Perhaps instead of holding our breath and being afraid when Jesus shows up, we can take a breath and be excited Jesus is here now. 

Prayer
Jesus, help me to not be afraid when you show up to help me. I pray for excitement when I experience your presence. Amen

By Charity Goodwin