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TAKE HEART, IT IS I; DO NOT BE AFRAID!
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“When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. ... for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”” ‭‭Mark‬ ‭6:46-51 NRSV‬‬



Two thoughts come to me: Jesus has a discipline, to spend time with God alone in prayer.

Second, Jesus gives room for His disciples to solve their own problems. Jesus is never too far to come into His disciples’ rescue, including you and I!

In this scene, drowning in troubles, the disciples were too panic to recognise Jesus’ present. Instead of asking for help, they thought Jesus was part of their problems, that He was a ghost. Nevertheless, Jesus helped them. He stilled the storm in their hearts before He stilled the storm on the sea of Galilee: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

How about us? New Year comes with new opportunities and new challenges, some old ones may stubbornly follow us into this new year too! When life goes well, let’s be mindful God is there with us! When troubles come, Jesus, the Immanuel, is there too with us!
He is saying to us too: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Our Lord is never too far to come to our rescue!

O Blessed Jesus,
give me stillness of soul in You.
Let Your mighty calmness reign in me.
Rule me, O King of Gentleness,
King of Peace. 
(St John of the Cross)

~plt090119

#pltwrites #Mark #Jesusstillsthestom #faith #Immanuel#drowningintroubles #takeheart

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