Leadership hinges on Discernment
The Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. And the Twelve summoned the body of the disciples and said, It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. The charge the people of the responsibility of picking out from among them seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, who we may appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.
Seven of them were chosen and were set before the apostle, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
We must sustain spiritual capacity to seek divine counsel from God by the Holy Spirit and we must be able to discern what the next step should be, not jampacking and been here and there, but we must listen to the promptings of the holy spirit. (Acts 6:1-7)
Overcoming Fear Entails Recognising Him
The encounter of the disciples of Jesus, they went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea rose because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles,they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat. They were frightened, but he sad to them, It is I; do not be afraid. Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. Christ did not delay so as to frightened but it was a preparation and the building of his disciples to learn not to be afraid, but for them to overcome fear through absolute trust and confidence in the saving grace of Christ. (John 6:16-21)
The simple Lesson
When the disciples are facing danger and difficulty in the agitated lake at the time of nightfall, Jesus comes to their rescue. His presence puts their heart to rest and enables them to cross the lake. He is in our midst as one who serves and saves. His presence saves his apostles in the trials and troubles they face on the way. When they and we frightened and helpless, the Lord comes and says, It is I, do not be afraid. We get frightened because we fail to recognise his presence in our difficult experiences. But his voice is effective; it removes fear. The tempest calms down and the other shore is soon reached. When everything seems to turn against us and we live the experience of the Cross of Christ, he comes to console and strengthen our tired bodies and minds.