Where Faith Reigns, Fear Has No Hope

I have had the opportunity to spend this week at the pool with all the PPN students.  It has been fascinating to watch the kids as they race over to the pool’s edge, gaze at the shimmering blue water and inhale the smell of chlorine.  A number of kids almost have to be held back from leaping in, as they are so enthusiastic and eager to get into the water.  Yet some reluctantly hang back near their teachers, worry and fear displayed on their faces.

Despite their fears, they all end up taking the leap (or step) into the water, with eyes fixed on their instructors and faith in them that they will not let them go!

Fear is a very real emotion that kids and adults alike all experience, but faith and trust in someone or something can help to overcome fear. As the students had to step into the pool with faith and trust this week, I thought of the story of Peter in the Bible, who stepped out of the boat and walked towards Jesus on the water -  Matthew 14:22.

The story goes like this:

One night, Jesus' disciples encountered a frightening storm. Then they witnessed Jesus walking toward them across the surface of the water, and their fear turned to terror because they believed they were seeing a ghost.  Jesus told them to take courage and not be afraid.  

Peter called out "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water," and Jesus invited Peter to do exactly that. Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesus, but the moment he took his eyes off of Jesus, Peter saw nothing but the wind and waves, and he started to sink. Peter cried out to the Lord, and Jesus immediately reached out his hand to catch him.  

We learn three very valuable lessons from this story:

1. We need faith – Putting our full trust and faith in God can help us take the next step in difficult times. Peter had to have a huge amount of faith in Jesus and this was evidenced by his actions.
2. Don’t let fear and doubt sink you – Many of us have circumstances in our lives that are worrying or frightening and these can cause us to take our eyes off Jesus. Where fear reigns faith is driven away, but where faith reigns, fear has no place. When Peter saw the wind and became afraid, he began to sink.
3. Jesus is always there when we face trials – Today Jesus does not walk as a human on earth next to us, but He is still in charge. He is always there to give us a helping hand whenever we face problems.  In the midst of the storm, Jesus was with Peter and prevented him from sinking.

I wish you a safe and enjoyable week and encourage you to step out in faith with something this week.  Put your faith in God as He will help to drive away your fears, doubt or worries. 

Phillip Lillehagen