Have you ever embarked on a new venture? Maybe it involved a move across the country to start a new job, or resigning a corporate position to start your own company. At this time of year, many young people are going away to college for the first time. In most cases, we start out with great excitement. But after a short while, the strong winds of challenges and obstacles arise, causing us to become frightened. The initial excitement gets replaced by fear and doubt.
That’s what happened to Peter in Sunday’s Gospel. In Matthew 14:29-30, Jesus said to him, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and with great excitement and enthusiasm, began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he felt how strong the wind was, he became frightened and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Living stewardship can be like that. Jesus calls to us, “Come. Come close to Me. Trust Me. Be a good steward of all of my gifts and blessings to you.” You hear His message. You embrace it with great enthusiasm – “Yes, Lord, I will.” But soon you realize that the call of stewardship is to live like Jesus, to love unconditionally and give courageously – beyond what you think you can. And so you falter. You begin to sink.
Fear not. Jesus will catch you. Step out in what little faith you have and trust God to provide. St. Francis de Sales said, “Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts.”
Be the best disciple you can be and put God first in every area of your life – including your budget. Give generously out of gratitude for all the blessings God gives to you. If you falter, cry out like Peter, “Lord, save me!” Trust that God will catch you and help you to continue on this wonderful, exciting, adventure of stewardship.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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