The night before my open heart surgery the nurses explained to me that I would be on a ventilator when I woke up from the anaesthetics. They said that many patients freak out and sit up in bed. The nurse explained that I would be totally drugged and that I must listen to her voice and calm down.

That night I saw a patient wake up and freak out. It was a demonstration of what-not-to-do. Frankly, I was scared.

I read through Matthew 14 and the following phrase gave me an anchor for waking up. It is when Jesus calls Peter to walk on the water. Jesus approaches the boat they are in and they obviously “sit up in bed”. Then Jesus tells them,

Take courage

It is I

Do not be afraid

Those three words anchored me and helped me to face the fear. I woke up and thankfully/gracefully didn’t sit up. Jesus was there. In what areas of your life do you have to hear,

Take courage

It is I

Do not be afraid (Matthew 14:27)