Devotion Booklets for Seasons of the Church Year Lent 2019 | Page 18

Monday, March 18, 2019
He Dispels My Doubts in the Unknown
Matthew 14:22-36
Have you ever been on a long car trip during bad weather? Have you ever been on a flight with lots of
turbulence? You might understand then what that night was like on the Sea of Galilee for the disciples.
Another storm had brewed on the water. Only this time, Jesus wasn’t with them. He had remained on shore
while the disciples went ahead of him to the other side. The constant buffering of the wind and the splashing of
the waves left them weary and restless. What would happen? How would this turn out?
To make matters worse, the disciples thought they saw “a ghost” walking towards them. They were tired, weary,
afraid, and that’s what they concluded about this strange sight. But it wasn’t a ghost coming to them, it was
Jesus.
He knew what to do. He quickly made his voice, his presence, and his love known. He spoke words of comfort.
“Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter wanted to be sure it was the Savior, so he asked to come out on the water toward Jesus. Jesus told him to
come. For a moment, Peter was walking on the water toward Jesus. But then he caught sight of the wind. Old
fears returned. What would happen? How would this turn out? He began to sink.
Again, Jesus knew what to do. Immediately he reached out his hand and rescued Peter.
Yesterday’s devotion focused on the fear we have in known situations. Today we focus on the fear we have in
unknown situations. But the comfort and solution in either situation remain the same. It’s Jesus. He came to
save. His word brings peace. His promises can be trusted in known and unknown times.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, there is so much that I do not know. The things that I have never experienced before, the
things that I have never gone through before, these things cause me to doubt and become fearful. Fill me with
your confidence. Let me step forward in faith knowing you came to save and your Word brings me peace. In
Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
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