Daily Devotional

-May 17, 2021-

Good morning, happy Monday,

-Do Not Be Afraid, Jesus Is With Us-

“Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’”

(John 6:18-20).

This incident of Jesus walking on water is recorded in Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-51; and John 6:15-21. It is an amazing sign and miracle that He showed His disciples. There were present in the boat that night four experienced fisherman who were familiar with the Sea of Galilee, with its strong winds and storms: Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Yet, even they were greatly afraid, for no one ever saw anyone walking on the water before.

In Matthew’s account he includes the part of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. At first the disciples did not recognize Jesus, for they supposed that He was a ghost. Jesus was testing their faith. He made them get into the boat to travel to Bethsaida while He dismissed the multitude and went up on the mountain to pray. The wind became so strong that they had to strain at rowing the boat. It was in the middle of the sea in the middle of the night; it was pitch dark.

Our Savior saw them in need and came to their rescue. He spoke to them these beautiful words, “It is I; do not be afraid.” There are many things in life that can make us afraid: loss of health, job, family, money, home, possessions, and even of our own lives. This Coronavirus pandemic has made the whole world terribly fearful. Fear leads to stress which causes many health issues. Even young children and adolescents are feeling it just like grown ups.

How do you handle fear? Do you turn to Jesus and seek His help and guidance? Or do you seek man’s solutions or answers ? The disciples received Jesus into the boat and immediately reached their destination safely. Peter learned a big lesson himself about trusting in the Lord. Matthew records how he asked Jesus if it was really Him, to ask him to walk on the water to Him. At first all was well until Peter saw that the wind was boisterous, then he doubted and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him and brought him safely into the boat. Our Lord asked him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” As soon as Peter was safely in the boat the wind ceased.

God allows storms in our lives. There are things that are out of our control. It tests our faith and causes us to fully depend on Him. The hymn writer William C. Poole wrote, “Just when I need Him, Jesus is near, just i falter, just when I fear; Ready to help me, ready to cheer, just when I need Him most.” The Lord promised us in Matthew 28:20, “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Never fear when Jesus is near! He is with us in the boat, in the storm, in the very things that make us afraid; yet He says, “It is I; do not be afraid.” The end of our journey is heaven where we will spend eternity with Him. Someone once said, “Feed your faith, and your fear will starve to death.” Let us feed on the Word of God and pray in faith. God will do great things for us.

Have a blessed day walking with Jesus safely and securely. Let us not be afraid, He is our heavenly aid. Stay safe and healthy.

Dean