Transformed – teen devotion – August 4, 2024

There are many reasons to be afraid and confused in ministry. There are extreme highs and deep lows. If Jesus’ disciples struggle, then I should expect struggle. And yet, Jesus tells me I don’t have to fear. Why? Because he’s with me. I can take courage knowing him and experiencing his presence!

Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.

Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored there. As soon as they got out of the boat, people recognized Jesus. They ran throughout that whole region and carried the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
Mark 6:45-56

Fear Not, For the Lord is With You

Put yourself in the shoes of Jesus’ disciples.
Mark 6 tells us of the whirlwind ministry tour the disciples were on with Jesus:

• Jesus sends them out 2 by 2 to tell others to turn back to God. He gives them power to drive out demons and heal sick people.
• John the Baptist was beheaded. No doubt the disciples find out about this, and it impacts them emotionally and spiritually.
• Jesus tries to take his disciples on a little retreat to get some rest and relaxation
• People follow them. Jesus shows compassion. The people are hungry. Jesus says “You feed them.” They bring Jesus what they have, and he feeds over 5,000 people.
• The disciples are amazed but confused. They have trouble trusting Jesus completely
• Jesus makes his disciples go ahead of him on a boat to the next ministry location. A storm surges on the sea. They are afraid. Jesus walks out on the water. They are more afraid.

Talk about a rollercoaster of highs and lows! The disciples now had first-hand experience of how ministry is not for the faint of heart. And yet, in the middle of the storm, in the middle of their fear and confusion, Jesus says to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” There may not be a better way to end a series of devotions on ministry than these words from Jesus.

If you take courage in yourself, you will be discouraged. If you hope in another person, you will be disillusioned. If you look to positive results in ministry to make you happy, you will be disheartened. To escape these feelings you may turn to distractions—money, alcohol, porn, drugs, or another self-medication.

There are many reasons to be afraid and confused in ministry. You are a sinner serving other sinners. And yet, you are a dearly loved child of God. Bought with the blood of Jesus. And he says to you, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” The one thing you can count on in a life of serving Jesus is his presence. And that’s enough to sustain you and encourage you.

He is humble and gentle at heart. In him you will find rest for you soul and courage to face your fears. And you’ll find the motivation to keep going. His grace, mercy and forgiveness are the fuel to your ministry-fire.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you have promised to never leave me or forsake me. You tell me to take courage and to not be afraid, for you are with me. I can trust you because you proved your love to me by living for me, dying the death I should have died and beating death by rising from the dead. Because of you I am a dearly loved child of God! Thank you! Embolden me to do meaningful ministry in your name. Let your grace, mercy and forgiveness fuel my life and ministry. In your name I pray. Amen.