“But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage; it is I. Do not be afraid.’” (Matthew 14:26-27)
So the disciples had convinced themselves
that Jesus was a ghost.
Interesting. They had created a
story that was not even there.
Circumstances clouded their vision, producing fear and keeping them
from being able to recognize that it was actually Jesus who was standing out
there on the sea. I wonder how often
this is the case with us.
I wonder how often we allow our response
to circumstances to create a narrative that simply doesn’t exist. I wonder how often we create stories for
ourselves and for others that are only the creation of our own fearful minds and
insecure hearts. Because of sin, we are
prone, like the disciples, to misinterpretation. We create stories for ourselves and for
others that are not even there. In other
words, because of sin we have become unreliable narrators, even of our own
story. Sin has kept us from being able
to see clearly.
Which makes me ask, what is the story I am
telling myself right now? And is it even
true? Where have I convinced myself that
something is true, when it is really not?
Where have I allowed circumstances to keep me from recognizing
Jesus?
Lord Jesus, help me to realize that the storms and chaos of this life can keep me from seeing and recognizing you. They can even cause me to make up stories about myself and others that are simply not true. Help me, Lord Jesus, to live in your truth, because it is your truth that sets me free. Amen.
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