Tuesday, March 30: Keeping the Faith

…”Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ Matthew 14: 28-31

Oh how I love my Bible studies especially our current Companions in Christ class. What a gift it is as we all read the same passages and at the beginning of the next class, we share some of our insights. All of a sudden, a scripture that may have meant a lot to begin with – now has even broader and deeper significance as my Sisters in Christ share their own thoughts and related life stories.

Although not very good at it, one of my ambitions is to try memorizing some of these beautiful, inspirational and sage verses. Last year, in particular, as I was having tremendous struggles at work amid my mother-in-law Signe’s worsening health, I was feeling overwhelmed. The previous week’s lesson was where Peter had enough faith to get out of the boat after Jesus had called him and began to walk on the water toward him, but began to sink. Peter reached out his hand and cried “…Lord, save me!”

What a simple verse and yet in its simplicity and brevity, it’s one I quickly have mastered and lean upon often. That particular week, it had tremendous impact as I could almost physically feel the Lord lift me out of the depths.

While I know that the verse ended with Jesus’ responding “You of little faith,” I know that Jesus understands that it’s all part of the journey of being human for eventually Peter would believe enough to go the distance for him.

Beloved Jesus, You know that we are on this journey walking toward you. Give us the faith that that one day, we may be so close as you reach out and pull us up with you.

Cathy Betts