Article October 31, 1983 Issue

The outstretched hand of the Christ

GRETA E. MEADER

The disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee after Jesus had fed the five thousand. He had told them to go on ahead while he sent away the multitudes; then he went to the mountain to pray. Meanwhile the fishing boat was out in the middle of the lake, with rough waters owing to a strong head wind; the ship was tossed about in the waves. Then Jesus, walking on the water, went to the disciples. Thinking this was a spirit, they were afraid, and the Bible tells us they cried out. Then came the much-loved voice of the Master, "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."

Peter, impetuous as ever, at once said, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." "Come," Jesus said, and Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water. All went well until fear filled his thoughts because of the wind and the waves, and he started to sink. Peter's cry for help was answered by the ever-present Christ, the outstretched hand that rebukes a lack of faith by comforting and saving; and Peter returned safely to the boat with Jesus.^{See Matt. 14:22-32 .}

We may not be ready to actually walk on the water as Christ Jesus did. But through our understanding of Christian Science we are able to grasp the outstretched hand of the Christ each time we are confronted by challenges. And we are always upheld, supported, and brought to a safe shore. If our hearts are sometimes filled with fear, we find, like Peter, it is never too late to reach out to Truth. And Truth enables us to overcome fear and see each challenge for what it is—an opportunity to prove the allness of God.

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