Take courage...

Matt 14:24-33 24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” 28 Then Peter called to Him, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped Him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
As we face the things life has for us, let us remember the words of our Lord. “Don’t be afraid,” And. “Take courage. I am here!” When we put our Faith in Jesus; the Word of God, we are empowered. To not take fear, but courage. Also, to remember that Jesus is with us. It may not be walking on water, yet we all face obstacles in which these words give us aid. Jesus tells us, “to come.” Now we have Jesus and Holy Ghost in us, Peter did not at this point. But, the words “to come” has meaning to us. As we face everyday and all that comes with it. So we need to keep these words in front of us. Let us examine these words, “take courage.” Take: to hold, grasp, or grip; to seize or capture. To put into effect; to experience or feel. To make as one’s own. Courage: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. We are instructed to grasp, or seize the mindset to face anything that might oppose us, and what we want or are lead to do in Faith. Instead of, fear, or doubt, we put our Faith in Jesus, in that we can have courage. No, matter what happens around us, Jesus is with us. We are to take courage in that! Four statements are made here. Do not allow fear a place. We can do this because, Jesus is with us. Step out in Faith, walk on water or fly high. We must remember, all for His Glory, not ours. And four, “Why did you doubt me?” Make no mistake, we will be asked that question if we do not step out in Faith. It is better to try and fail, then to not even attempt to step out of the boat. We do not want to be that servant who, buried his master's money. The enemies biggest tool is not fear, it is distraction. It works very well at getting our minds and thoughts off what is important. Then it doubles down with fear. Jesus tells His disciples, “Don’t be afraid,”And He adds, “Take courage. I am here!” So let it be with us. Let us not give into fear, and always remember He is with us. To His Glory, Praise, and Honor!