You Are Not Alone

Basketball is likely my favorite sport. Over the years I have coached basketball, football, and even a season of track and field. But basketball has been the sport of choice for most of my life. I was thinking about the game this week and I kept being reminded of the all important free throw. This shot is often overlooked, but can easily win or lose a game. It is the part of the game where you get the least amount of points, you have to work hard to get to take the shot (thank you officials), and while you are shooting most of the gym is looking solely at you. Think about a game you have watched, when a player is shooting the free throw, all eyes focus on that player and his ability to shoot the ball into the hoop.

As a guard, I did not get to the charity stripe too much. I was more of a set up player for my team. (At least, I want to think I was…) Nevertheless, I can think of numerous games when I was at the line and how lonely it felt at times. There you are the line and you know you need to make these easy shots. Many times a player is given the ball and can win the game if they make their free throws. A good friend once told me “you should never miss a free throw. It is the easiest shot in basketball!” Why? Because it is free! They are gifts – there is no defense, just you and hoop – all alone.

I recently read through the passage in Mark where Jesus walks on water. As Mark records the story, they had just finished feeding the 5000 and Jesus has sent the disciples on their way. As they move out to sea, Jesus heads to the mountain to pray. Mark comments that the disciples find themselves in the middle of the lake fighting against the winds. As they are battling the waters, Jesus notices them “straining at the oars.” (6:48)

Mark does not tell us, but I imagine at one point the disciples may have wondered where Jesus was in the midst of the storm? Why were they all alone at sea? Were they going to die? I suppose in a small way, they may have felt like they were shooting a free throw with the game on the line. When Jesus arrives near the boat, he offers these words to the disciples; “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

The disciples were not alone. He was watching the entire time. In the midst of their strain, Jesus offers them hope, he offers himself. I am grateful that Jesus gives us the same message today, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” If you are straining the oars of life or perhaps standing at the “free throw line" today, be encouraged – our Savior is right there with you cheering you on! You are not alone – you do not need to be afraid!