Matthew 14:28-29 – And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. (ESV)

My wife, Caroline, says that sometimes I am too soft with Zoë, my eighteen-month-old, which in truth I am. However, it has been demonstrated, when Caroline has gently said "No", Zoë stops straight away — almost — once she has realized that there is not going to be a change in the final outcome! Zoë is growing in trusting our judgement. Okay, so there may be the occasional episode of a head-bang on the floor to show frustration — and Zoë does the same sometimes too!

She can now shuffle down the stairs, with the aid of a helping parent to keep her safe. However, I am not averse to offering a "carry" every now and then, despite her weight, just for the joy of having a bundle of love and friendship up close for a moment before she runs away again.

I beckoned to her the other day that I would carry her, so she ran out of the bathroom, straight across the landing, out into the fresh air above the second step of the stairs, and straight into my arms. She was so fast that I had to use all my strength. I guess she dropped three or four inches, trusting in my embrace, as I reached out for the fulcrum of her outstretched arms. I was a little taken aback, but she knew nothing of my alarm. She only knew with certainty that dad would catch her, and he did.

I believe Jesus delights in us today, especially those who come to Him with the same childlike faith, rushing forward with determination and utter trust. Whatever our situation, He will always receive us as we run towards Him.

If He commands it today, are we confident enough in our relationship with Jesus to step out — in body, mind, and spirit — to take that all-important first step?

Prayer: Lord, Your love for us is more than we comprehend, despite worldly appearances and lies from the devil, because bad things happen to us here on earth. Your love for us is eternal. Forgive us when we doubt Your love for us, or the capacity that You have to catch us when we fall, to hold us close when we are down, or to lift us up when no one else will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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