Lenten Reader | Day 17

March 4th, 2024

Don't Be Afraid

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

John 6:16-21

Moving here was quite a shock for me. I always thought I was a small-town girl – but moving to Hallsville made me realize I was a spoiled small-town girl! I missed streetlights and neighbors, sidewalks and 10-minute drives to pick up that “fresh-out-of” item from Kroger. Mostly I missed streetlights. I mean, it gets dark! It took everything in me to go out in the yard or to the driveway after dark, and even then I would ask Aaron or Chris to go instead.

Fast forward and Aaron is working out-of-town. Chris and I resurrected movie night. About 30 minutes in we heard someone – something – knocking on windows and making all kinds of noise on the deck. Ignoring it wasn’t working, and Chris and I just stared at each other. I finally broke the silence and said, “I am not getting up. I’m not going to the door!” That was met with, “Well, I’m the child!” (Words never to be uttered again). When I went to the door and finally mustered the courage to unlock it, Aaron barged in laughing! Declaring, “It’s me! I’m home!”

Approaching that door, I had already thought the worst – some rabid animal was on the attack, and we were doomed!

Fear is the one thing that holds us back. Fear causes us to doubt. It keeps us from making decisions, from moving forward. Fear keeps us from opening doors. Our Scriptures tell us over and over, “Do not be afraid” (don’t fear). And we still let it linger.

When Christopher was little he had bad dreams. I would have him ask Jesus to go to sleep with him, explaining that he wouldn’t be alone in his dreams; Jesus would always be there. Why wasn’t I doing that? Why was I not asking Jesus to go with me? ... Into that interview, or meeting. Into that room full of people I don’t know. Jesus, come with me to the backyard – it’s DARK! But first, Jesus, can you get the door?

Amy Grand