1Kgs. 19:9a-13a | Ps. 85:9-14 | Rom. 9:1-5 | Mt. 14:22-33

The scriptures bring us two different accounts of encounters with God.  Both Elijah and Peter are responding to fear.  Elijah has run from those who want to kill him, while Peter gives into the fear of drowning.  Most of us would respond exactly as both of these men did.  However, it is clear that Jesus is calling us to recognize our fear and then hand it over to God, trusting that God will take care of us as God has said over and over again in the scriptures.  Peter goes out to Jesus on the water and then becomes distracted and begins to sink.  There are times when we begin to follow God, begin a new way of following Christ, and then fall.  Jesus tells us to place our hand in His and believe that He will keep us from harm.

Take time to pray with this Gospel.  Put yourself into Peter’s shoes.  Allow Jesus to take you by the hand and reassure you that He will not let you drown.  Ask Jesus to help you remember this in the future.