Take Courage, I'm Here!

Can you remember as a child how there were times when you were scared or frightened because something happened? Maybe a dog ran out of a yard while you were riding your bicycle, maybe you fell while playing and cut your knee or arm open. You start crying because of what happened but that turns to comfort when you hear your mother or father’s voice saying “don’t worry I’m here.” You feel safe again and feel that nothing will happen to you. It may happen in your adult life, maybe your business is in turmoil, and maybe your spouse is leaving you or messing around with someone else. Then a friend comes to the rescue and supports you, saying “don’t worry I’m here.”

Let’s look at God and how He supports us. When we feel like everything is falling apart, maybe we are “sinking” into life’s dangerous “hole”, then we hear His voice calling out to us. Matthew 14:27 tells us exactly how God reacts, or for that matter, our Saviour God. It says this; “But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Here they, the disciples who were on board a boat, thought they were seeing a ghost, and fear overcame them. Was this their last day on earth? Can you imagine what was going through their minds at the time, seeing something or someone coming towards them, but walking on the water? Then Jesus called out to them and told them it was Him coming towards them.

Suddenly they felt secure, safe and happy it was Someone they knew well, Someone who could truly protect them and fear disappeared. In life, many things happen which brings fear into our lives or makes us feel weak and worthless. All you need to do is “look and listen”. Look towards where God is beside you and in you, and listen to His voice, for He is saying that you mustn’t be afraid for He is with you always. When times seem tough and you are being “attacked” by the things of this world, or people for that matter, listen and hear God saying to you, “Take courage for I’m here!” Walk courageously and don’t fear this world and those living in its ways, for God is with you always – Emmanuel, God with us. Enjoy the ride into the future. Amen!