Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. MATTHEW 14:22-33 NLT
Able to determine character in the people they encounter
Are reliable, loyal, trustworthy, compassionate and good planners
Desire to see the world as a safer place
See only potential risk and danger
Life is dictated by fear and anxiety
Don’t trust people, causing them to avoid new experiences and sabotage relationships
The healthy Loyalist is always in pursuit of courage and trusting God, themselves and eventually others.
…Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. 1 CHRONICLES 28:20 NLT
This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. PSALM 91:2 NLT
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. PROVERBS 3:3-4 NLT
God, help me to be faithful to you. Help me to trust you even when people who speak for you are not trustworthy. Help me to take courage everyday. Help me to rest in your power and to trust in your goodness.
Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God. Imagine that you are sitting with Peter in the boat in the midst of the storm. Imagine how you would feel, anxious, fearful, trying to keep the boat from capsizing and in seeing a lone figure walking through the waves towards you. Now pause with Peter in the moment when he realizes that it’s Jesus. What do you think happened in him when he suddenly moves him from his experience of danger to be daring; where in an instant Peter perceived it to be safer to step out of the boat, onto the stormy waves and begin to walk towards Jesus? Sit with God for a few moments and allow yourself to reflect on what the experience would be like for you to see what you fear and what you desire in this same way. What does it look like for you to move out of your boat that is being battered with fear in order to walk through the storm to move towards Jesus? As you move through your week, allow your anxieties and fears move you towards Jesus.