Perhaps there have been times in our lives when we felt broken beyond repair. Poor choices, sinfulness, addictions, personal failures, and illnesses are but a few of the things that can rob us of joy and purpose, perhaps even testing our faith. The people of Israel were suffering because of their own failure to walk in God's ways. They had created a very unjust society and had been unfaithful to the Lord. Even though they had to suffer, Jeremiah assured the people that God would heal and restore them. There would be joy and thanksgiving once more. So it is with us: God will never abandon us or give us more than we can bear.

Our fear prevents us from stepping out of our comfort zone and doing extraordinary things. The disciples were frightened by Jesus walking across the water. When he reassured them, Peter asked to walk to Jesus across the water. Jesus invited him to do so, and all was well. But then he saw the wind and waves, and fear set in. The instant he took his eyes, mind, and heart off Jesus, he started to drown. Jesus chided him by pointing out that he really lacked sufficient faith. Fear and doubt are the enemies of faith. We have to choose between them and decide which of them will guide our life. Each day we are invited to walk across the water. Let us remain fixed on the Lord with whom all things are possible.