Into the Arms of Jesus

Does your faith call you to put it all on the line? Today, in the gospel reading Matthew 14:32 tells us what type of courage is expected of us. We have to assume that Peter who is a fisherman knows how to swim, has seen many storms in his life and knows what it feels like to be afraid, and regardless of the risk, he would go to Jesus. He trusts Jesus enough to ask Him to bid him to come to where Jesus is on the water, knowing full well that he couldn't do it on his own. I wonder if Jesus waits for us to ask. Several days ago, I went on a boat cruise where we got to see the waves rip around us on a sunny day, and for some, that was challenging. The attendant suggested to me that the boat headed for Martha's Vineyard, which was off in the distance, on a day like this one, with the seas waves (rough) 4 to 8', could see many on-board who would become ill due to the length of the trip. None of us would have gotten off of the boat to step into the sea. No matter what! Yet, that was what Peter did. This man showed courage, by stepping out of this wind-tossed boat in the middle of the sea, at night, all the while being told not to be afraid, and to be of good cheer. He did as Jesus said, and walked on the water. The initial steps were fine. How long can you walk on water and where does it take you? Peters walk ended when the negative thoughts began, and, consumed with thoughts of perishing, fear took hold of him and he began to sink, only to be caught into the loving arms of the only One that can ever save us. He will call us on that day, through the storm of our life, when we too must walk alone, calling out for Him to save us from the terror of the night to an unknown destination. But for now, Peter returned to the boat, safe and unharmed. The only question that Jesus had for Peter was "why did you doubt"? A good question for the world today. Yesterday, a teardrop ornament came in the mail. It was unexpected, but strangely, it was like a message from beyond from my brother, Stan who recently passed on. This tear drop glass ornament having a lighthouse beacon on it, was engraved with his name,and also had the two most important dates, his birth and death. It read: "Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free. I followed the path God laid, you see...Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow...Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee...God wanted me now; He set me free!In reading this, I have no doubt that in some way he was reaching out with a message of hope and that he wanted me to know that everything was going to be okay.