Hold and Step
Jean Warner (New South Wales, Australia)





TODAY'S READING
Matthew 14:25-31


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
God gave me this day; how can I best use this gift?


PRAYER FOCUS
Gratitude for a lesson a young person has taught me




My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. - Psalm 63:8 (NRSVUE)

The youngest member of our family was learning to go up and down our very steep front steps on her own. As she made her way up and down, whoever was with her would remind her to keep a tight grip on the handrail, saying, “Come on, Laila! Hold tight and step.”

Some time later, after a lengthy hospital stay, I came home and was still very unsteady on my feet. As I stood hesitating at the top of the steps, a little voice piped up, “It’s all right, Grandma. Just hold tight and step.” She kept on encouraging me until I reached the ground.

What a wonderful life lesson! We may not be floundering in deep water as Peter was in Matthew’s Gospel, but whenever we are experiencing trouble, fear, or weakness, all we need to do is firmly grasp God’s hand and move forward in faith. Out of great love for us, God will provide the strength that we lack.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for your love and grace. Remind us that when we reach out in faith, you will always be there to help and sustain us. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.