Last year, in Grand Rapids, Cornerstone Christian University displayed on a well traveled highway, a billboard with the huge word, "UNDAUNTED", and you had to read the small print as you got closer, "Live your life with meaning!, and attend Cornerstone!" Undaunted living can be a challenge in the world we live in, during these pandemic days.
Undaunted in the dictionary means living your life unafraid or worried about dealing with something that might frighten other people. It is a mixture of having confidence and courage. Jesus gave us the words to his disciples (John 16:33) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
So now Jesus is with his disciples in the ship and they were scared to death and now, "Immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying ' Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." (Matthew 14:27) Storms in the sea of life are devastating and fearful. Its intensity is felt more harshly when it strikes on a dark night. It is a time when our expertise fails to find a way out.
Jesus taught His disciples to trust Him on several such situations. They had with them expert sailors like Peter, Andrew, John and James, but their experience failed to save them from fear and peril. It was the fourth watch of the night, around 3 a.m. and there was no one else to help. There was no light and no radar for them to proceed. They were afraid and lost hope. But little did they realize that Jesus walking towards them with words of comfort and strength.
He who holds the oceans in the palm of His hands has no difficulty to step on waves just has he would walk on firm ground. He demonstrated to the fearful disciples that He was in control of all elements at all times. He showed them that His presence was with them even when He was physically invisible. He also showed them how He would come to them when their faith was weak and they were filled with fear of their dark and cloudy situations.
The same Jesus is with us when we go through devastating storms, mighty winds and strong waves in the stark and dark realities of life and situations. Even when our human intelligence tells us that there is no hope, He comes to tell us to be courageous and put our full hope in Him.
CONCLUSION: Today, Jesus will certainly be there with you in your current situation. He wants to tell you that there is no need for you to be afraid and lose courage. He knows what you are going through and has made enough provisions for you to be kept secure in His hands. His mighty arms of care and protection are around you. He will not allow your circumstances to harm you. When you exercise faith in God, your fear will disappear. You are challenged to look unto Jesus and be courageous today. Trust Him to take you forward by His hands. Even if it is the fourth watch, Jesus will come to rescue and restore you and take you forward. AMEN.
Provided By: Larry L. Vollink, Retired Chaplain/Pastor, lawrenceV@comcast.net, , Cedar Springs, Michigan
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