“At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” – Matthew 14:27
The beautiful Menominee River cuts a path between the pines of northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I was recently blessed with the opportunity to ride down the river in a little fishing boat that belongs to my girlfriend’s father. With a clear, blue sky and the summer sun above us, we floated along, soaking up the beauty of God’s creation.
Eventually, we came to a point along the north bank of the river, where a special tree grows. This deciduous giant stands at the edge of the water, leaning slightly over the waves. Short slats of wood have been nailed to the trunk in ladder-like fashion, and a long rope swing dangles from a branch high above.
It had launched many a daredevil into the river, and now it was calling my name. My muscles tensed and my breath quickened as I maneuvered my way up the tree. Nearly at the top of the makeshift steps, my heart pounded as I gripped the rope with all my might. It looked a lot higher from up there, and doubts began running through my mind: “What if I slip and fall into the bank? What if there are rocks in the water? What if I get caught in the rope?”
Finally, I tightened my grip and leapt from the tree with a shout. Gravity whipped me down and around with a vengeance. Fear and freedom collided as I flew through the air, and in that moment I debated the next test: letting go of the rope. As I reached the high point of the arc, I left the rope behind and went careening into the water with a splash. Seconds later, I emerged from the depths of the water exhilarated and victorious.
It’s truly a paradox that many people feel most fully alive when they take risks and confront their fears. Why else would people jump into rivers, ride roller coasters or go sky-diving? We all want to feel fully alive. We all want to walk on the water.
The good news is that this fullness of life is exactly what Jesus offers us, if only we trust in Him. He asks us to find confidence (con – with, fidere – faith) in Him, because He is the Son of God and our Savior. Then, He asks us to let go of the rope. He asks us to dive into the deep and bring His Light to the darkness. And if we trust that Jesus is Lord, we have nothing to fear, no matter how, where, or who He calls us to serve.
Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. We place our trust in you. Grant us the courage to give our lives for the good of others, that in doing so we may live life to the fullest for your greater glory. Amen.
