Courage

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
29 "Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Matthew 14:13-21


Having courage is the key to living out a successful life in this fallen world. Having the courage to give unconditionally without expecting anything in return; having the courage to love and forgive no matter what the offense; having the courage to step outside of your comfort zone in an act of faith, knowing that God’s power in your life will carry you through whatever it is that He has directed you to do. You see, the key to unleashing the power of God’s Holy Spirit who lives in the lives of all who have accepted Him into their heart of hearts is to courageously obey and to step out in faith, even when you feel less than adequate and all alone. Jesus will always be there to catch you when you fall and to reassure you with His love when you doubt, but taking the first step is up to you. Be courageous enough today to take that step of faith that God is calling you to take as the journey is ever so sweet to the soul and full of the grace and love and power of the One who gave His life to set you free!