Fear and Powerlessness

45 Right then, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake, toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After saying good-bye to them, Jesus went up onto a mountain to pray. 47 Evening came and the boat was in the middle of the lake, but he was alone on the land. 48 He saw his disciples struggling. They were trying to row forward, but the wind was blowing against them. Very early in the morning, he came to them, walking on the lake. He intended to pass by them. 49 When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost and they screamed.50 Seeing him was terrifying to all of them. Just then he spoke to them, “Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” 51 He got into the boat, and the wind settled down. His disciples were so baffled they were beside themselves. 52 That’s because they hadn’t understood about the loaves. Their hearts had been changed so that they resisted God’s ways.

~ Mark 6:45-52, CEB

One thing we’ve learned time and again in recovery is the concept of powerlessness. I am only in control of the things I can legitimately control. I can’t control what goes on in the world around me, I can only control my response to it. I find freedom in accepting the world as it is, not as I would have it, while living the life I feel called to live. Nobody can take that away. No person and no law can stand in my way to live out my values and principles. I can reflect God’s love to the world around me in all situations. I don’t always do that, but by virtue of God’s transforming spirit within me, I have the capacity to do that. That’s my call.

Can we accept the world as it is even when it’s not as we wish it?

Fear says no. Faith says yes.