In Matthew 14, so much is happening. Jesus withdraws. He withdraws after the pain of losing his cousin, John. He withdraws after service and ministry. He doesn’t hide. He doesn’t just stalk away. You know it and so do I, he withdraws to pray.

My example is He. These stories clumped together tell me, it’s okay to withdraw. My issue over these past few years has been I’ve overly withdrawn. Emotional and physical pain have created a reaction in me these past years to withdraw.

In January I knew something had to change and I reached out to a mentor to ask her, whatever you are teaching, can I please join? I asked a dear friend to come with me. I started going back to Bible study and to community. I also started meeting with a group of women during the week on a daily basis. And here’s what has happened for me.

I have accountability to be in the word of God. I was in the word of God daily, alone. For a time, in Covid, that was necessary. Yet, as time progressed, I reasoned my way to being alone. My time in the word was good, but knowing I will speak and also hear from others of what God is teaching them brought me hope.

I am not alone. As I hear each of their stories, I’m not the only one with kids struggling. I’m not the only one who has pain. I’m not the only one who isn’t sure and questions.

It’s taken time, it hasn’t been overnight, but God has brought me back to community, to worship and to setting my focus on the truth. I know people are praying as I am praying for them.

The most important reason has yet to be mentioned. Back in Matthew 14, the disciples are flailing in the boat. Flailing. And Jesus walk on water to reach them in the midst of the storm. Can you imagine the fretting and worry as they were tossed around in the waves? Jesus came to them. Is it you?

The disciples were together in the storm. They also met Jesus together in the storm. This is community and this is Jesus. They experienced miracles together because Jesus was with them.

We now have the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, I must go so he will come. I left community because of pain, and the Spirit has guided me to grace upon grace.

I just had to get in the boat.