Don't Doubt by Ann Elaine Broughton

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6 NIV).

Peter doubted and found himself sinking in the middle of the lake in high winds and huge waves. (Matt. 14:30) Doubt can destroy your faith. Peter was well aware of this as he started sinking and called for Jesus to save him. You see Peter and the apostles were out in a boat in the middle of the night. The wind was buffeting their boat, and it was about ready to sink when they saw Jesus walking on the water towards them. At first they were afraid, but Jesus told them not to be afraid. Peter, being the compulsive guy that he was said, “Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water” (Matt. 14:28 NIV). The Lord told him to come. So Peter jumped out of that fishing boat and started to walk on the water, keeping his eyes on Jesus. Now the mistake Peter made was that he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the big wind and became afraid. That is when he started to sink and yell for Jesus to help him. The reassuring thing is that Jesus took him by the hand and caught him. But he also gave him a little scolding saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt? (Matt. 14:31 NIV).
When we find ourselves in the middle of turmoil instead of sinking in doubt and despair we need to call out Jesus name, and He will lift us out of the sea of dismay. This story gives us so much hope that He is always there for us when we feel as if we are sinking from a great load of care. Taking hold of His hand and trusting Him to give us peace, just like He did for those in that boat, will lift our spirit. Let us trust Him with all of our cares, knowing that He will always be our strength when we are weak.
Dear Lord,
Just as Peter, it is easy for us to doubt when the storms of life assail us. Help us to take hold of your hand knowing that you can be trusted with every aspect of our lives. We trust you in our storms and know that with you by our side we can make it through the worst storm with the knowledge that you will never leave us or forsake us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Do Not Fear by Ann Elaine Broughton

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

What are you afraid of? For some people it is the fear of cancer, death, foreclosure, loss of a job, or fear that something might happen to their children. When fear brings you to your knees, take heart, the Lord is with you. Before Jesus was crucified he gathered his apostles together and gave them a pep talk. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV). As a Christian you can have that peace that Christ spoke of if you pray and ask for it. You do not need to be crippled by fears that you have no control over, because you have the Holy Spirit available to bring you peace. If all you think of is what you are afraid of then you are letting Satan control your thoughts. Satan wants you to concentrate on these negative thoughts so you won’t be a good witness for the Lord. How do you feel when you are afraid? Helpless? Hopeless? It is time for you to give your fears to the Lord and let Him give you His perfect peace. My challenge to you this week is to trust in the Lord and not be afraid. Lay your fears at his feet and leave them there, trusting Him to take care of your every need.
Dear Lord,
It seems sometimes that fears threaten to overtake my life. Help me to give all of them to you, knowing that you will take them and give me peace in its place. I trust you with my life and the lives of my loved ones. I thank you for giving me the peace that only you can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen