“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7, NIV
Thankfully, I don’t have a history of struggling with crippling anxiety. I have seen close friends battle with it, though, and have been there to pray and talk with them.
So why me, why now, Lord?
I’ve flown plenty of times throughout my life: short and long flights, domestic and international. Aside from some air turbulence, I’ve thankfully not had any scary or dangerous personal experiences with airplanes.
But for some reason, in the weeks and days leading up to this flight, I was battling with anxiety. It wasn’t really concern for my own safety; it was thinking of my husband, my children, and what I’d miss out on experiencing with them if anything were to happen to me. I even felt too emotionally paralyzed to pray.
And then, God showed me that He saw me and He knew: during a Sunday morning service just hours before my flight, as I cried during worship because the weight of the anxiety was just starting to crack the exterior of my calm facade, the pastor delivered exactly the message I needed to hear: Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus commanded Peter to walk on the water, and Peter did…until he didn’t: But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:30-31
What has Jesus called you to do that scares you?
What is your response?
To Jesus, the answer should be obvious: Trust Him. Don’t Doubt. Have faith.
If He calls you, will He not protect and equip you?
Today, learn this lesson from Peter: step out of the boat and do the thing that God has called you to do. Don’t be afraid. He knows you and He sees you. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Lord, thank you for Your promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Please strengthen our faith when it is weak. When we are discouraged and afraid, remind us of Your loving presence, that You see and hear our every need, even when we aren’t sure how to ask for it. Give us the supernatural peace of Your spirit in our turbulent seas today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Copyright Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi.
Rhapsody is a member and high school English teacher from North Carolina. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed teachers reclaim their time and peace of mind through support, encouragement, and intentional strategies. You can connect with her at tightropeteaching.com.
