Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 9, 2023
Matthew 14:22-33
22 Then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. 23 When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came, and he was alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat, fighting a strong headwind, was being battered by the waves and was already far away from land. 25 Very early in the morning, he came to his disciples, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified and said, “It’s a ghost!” They were so frightened they screamed. 27 Just then, Jesus spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 28 Peter replied, “Lord if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.” 29 And Jesus said, “Come.” Then Peter got out of the boat and was walking on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became frightened. As he began to sink, he shouted, “Lord, rescue me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, saying, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind settled down. 33 Then those in the boat worshipped Jesus and said, “You must be God’s Son!”
Good Morning. Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart!
I had a time during my college education when I decided that I needed to change my major. I was grasping at straws for a while as my mind jumped from one idea to another. After much discernment, I decided that would be a history major. I was so excited and confident to try something new. I embraced this change of direction in my life and loved my new curriculum of classes, but something was missing. I began to doubt my choices, and I began waffling again. What should I choose? What do I want to do with my life?
Like Peter stepping out of the boat, I left my area of comfort and stepped out in a new direction. At first, I was strong and confident, but then I started to have doubts. As I looked ahead of me, I thought, “How did I get here? What am I doing?” I then began to sink back into my confusion. Perhaps it took me a little longer than Peter to take Jesus’ outstretched hand, but eventually, I accepted it and felt myself being led to my path of understanding.
As I gaze upon the myriad of colors and shapes in the sky this morning. I see the countless opportunities that lie before us as we work to serve God. The blues are the calm water, the greys are the predictors of stormy water, and then the reds, pinks, and oranges are where the water is churning, and God’s possibilities come to life.
Jesus offers us his hand and waits patiently for us to grab it. When we grasp it, our fears leave, and peace rushes in to fill the void created.
Creator God, We love you! Like Moses, we are slow of tongue in our words and mired in mud in our actions. We doubt our ability to follow your call to us. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God’s peace can comfort me beyond what I can imagine.
Grab Hold! Jesus is Waiting! Pastor Liz
Comments