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Have you ever been really frightened? When I was in high school I had a part in the school play. At a rehearsal, I left the stage to retrieve a prop from the teacher’s classroom. All the lights were out in that part of the building. As I was returning through the dark hallway, two classmates leaped out of a doorway and screamed at me. I don’t remember thinking. I just yelled in fright!
The apostles of Jesus knew this feeling. In Mark 6 we’re told that they were in a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee at night. They’d left Jesus on the shore. Then Jesus came walking on the water toward them. Verses 49 and 50 say they cried out because they were terrified, thinking he was a ghost. Jesus replied “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”(NIV)
Many things in life can frighten us. Speaking in public, walking down a dark alley, the threat of a new disease, a diagnosis of cancer – all can cause fear. Even God can cause fear, just as Jesus did when walking on water. But we need to remember Jesus’ words. We need to take courage. When we really look at our situation, we’re likely to find there is no reason for the fear we feel. Today, I hope nothing terrifies you! Whatever you face, take courage in the presence of Jesus!
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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.