But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” – Mark 14:27-28

After Jesus had fed the five thousand (plus women and children), He dismissed the crowd and had the disciples get into the boat to go ahead of him to the other side of the lake, while he spent time in prayer. Between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m., Jesus sought to catch up with the disciples, who had gotten some distance ahead of Him by that time. How did He do this? By strolling across the lake. Understand-ably, the disciples, upon seeing a person coming toward them on the top of the water, were terrified and figured it must be a ghost.

Their terror was somewhat assuaged when the “ghost” told them, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.” But good old Peter, always the assertive member of the team, wanted more proof and asked Jesus to request him to come out on the water with Him. Peter needed to know that this was Jesus for real – not just some trickster.

When Jesus asks us to do something that is out of the ordinary, or outside of our comfort zone, do we need a little extra reassurance to have the confidence that He will be right there with us? Are we willing to step out in faith, without fear, and follow the one who promises to be with us always, even to the end of the earth?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us when You ask us to do extraordinary things, or things with which we are not comfortable, to know that You are always with us, and step out without fear to follow You.

Daily Reading: Matthew 18

– Contributed by Karen Seutter