The wind was howling and sheets of rain beat on the house. I sat at the kitchen table and ate my lunch. Then I heard it. A gurgle? A faucet? A leak! Yes indeed, there was water dripping through my living room ceiling. I moved the coffee table and got a bucket. Today the sun is out and repairs are scheduled, but the storm got me thinking about the storms of our lives and how we react to them.
Matthew 14 recounts a frightening boat ride for Jesus' disciples. Jesus instructed the disciples to go ahead of him to the other side. Evening came and it brought strong wind and waves. The boat drifted further and further from shore. I can imagine the anxious men being buffeted by angry waves and biting wind. Meanwhile Jesus finished teaching and took some time for private prayer. It was not until the fourth watch of the night (between 3 am and 6 am) that Jesus joined them. He walked across the water to them. They were afraid and He counseled them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)
The apostles have already had quite an evening, but Peter says, "Lord if it's you tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus tells Peter to come. Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water...for a moment. The wind frightens Peter and he begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus to save him and Jesus reaches out his hand and catches him. Here, Jesus speaks to Peter and to us. He says, "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"
I think Peter doubted because he focused on what he could do alone and not what he could do when aligned with God. This resonates with me in a very direct and personal way. Beginning in January, a friend and I will be co-presenting seminars on Soul Abundance. I will lead discussions on the soul, unconditional love, forgiveness and bringing holiness and light to everday life. I will tie some of my spiritual blogs to the physical expressions and metaphors of Sheng Zhen meditation. Sheng Zhen meditation is grounded in the concept of unconditional love.
The world around us is broken, and often violent. I believe that if people are more aware of their soul, they can work from their highest self. Soul work belongs to all people, and all religions, because we are all sons and daughters of the One. In my heart, I feel that I am being called to get out of the boat and to stand up for the unseen soul. Outside of my comfort zone, things could get choppy. Some people won't like my ideas. Self doubt tells me to sit down and be silent.
My soul reminds me that " the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid." (Deuteronomy 31:8) Peter had enough faith to step out on to the water. Sure, he doubted, and he sank, but he learned that he was never alone. It's time to step out of the boat.
Matthew 14 recounts a frightening boat ride for Jesus' disciples. Jesus instructed the disciples to go ahead of him to the other side. Evening came and it brought strong wind and waves. The boat drifted further and further from shore. I can imagine the anxious men being buffeted by angry waves and biting wind. Meanwhile Jesus finished teaching and took some time for private prayer. It was not until the fourth watch of the night (between 3 am and 6 am) that Jesus joined them. He walked across the water to them. They were afraid and He counseled them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)
The apostles have already had quite an evening, but Peter says, "Lord if it's you tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus tells Peter to come. Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water...for a moment. The wind frightens Peter and he begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus to save him and Jesus reaches out his hand and catches him. Here, Jesus speaks to Peter and to us. He says, "You of little faith. Why did you doubt?"
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| Our Refuge and Our Strength by Morgan Weistling |
The world around us is broken, and often violent. I believe that if people are more aware of their soul, they can work from their highest self. Soul work belongs to all people, and all religions, because we are all sons and daughters of the One. In my heart, I feel that I am being called to get out of the boat and to stand up for the unseen soul. Outside of my comfort zone, things could get choppy. Some people won't like my ideas. Self doubt tells me to sit down and be silent.
My soul reminds me that " the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid." (Deuteronomy 31:8) Peter had enough faith to step out on to the water. Sure, he doubted, and he sank, but he learned that he was never alone. It's time to step out of the boat.
