The Upper Room Devotion for Thrusday, November 9, 2023 was written by Sarah Belote of Michigan.
Scripture
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Marrhew 14:22-33 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
When I was in the seventh grade, my mom was diagnosed with a rare disease called fibrosing mediastinitis. A mass in her lung made it hard for her to beathe. She was coughing up blood and could barely walk. One night I was crying out to God and asking why this was happening to my mom. My mind turned to today's scripture reading, a passage which begins with wind and waves. The disciples were in a boat, and Jesus came walking toward them on the water. The disciples thought they were seeing a ghost. Peter said, "Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water" (CEB). At Christ's command, Peter took a few steps but then got scared and began to sink.
Like Peter, I was so afraid that I began to doubt God. But God was calling me. Once I was able to let go of my anger and fear, I began to trust that God would sustain me and would not let me sink. God filled me with more peace than I have ever felt. My mom later had a stent placed in an airway. The mass was almost gone, and what remained was not harmful. God can settle the wind and waves. When we trust in God, we can find peace.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
It may seem like the winds of chance are buffeting us at every turn, yet we must remember Christ calms the winds. Amidst the tumoltuous seas of our lives, we can rest secure knowing Christ guide us along the path.,
Author's Prayer
Dear God, help us find the courage to give our trials to you. Fill us with your peace. Amen.
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