“Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from the land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water…Jesus spoke to them at once, ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here….”
Matthew 14:24-25, 27 NLT
On July 18, 1997, I wrote in my journal, “Overwhelmed this morning with emotion—don’t see hope, feeling despair, afraid of the future…” But then I read how Jesus came TO the disciples IN the storm, even BEFORE they called! I needed to hear His words, “Don’t be afraid…I am here!” And I needed to remember when Peter was sinking in the waves, Jesus “…reached out and grabbed him!”
Nobody will ever convince me that Jesus doesn’t know where I’m at and what storm I’m going through! That very day He knew I was afraid—He knew I was focusing on the waves—He knew I was sinking. But Jesus came to me, spoke to me, and reached out to me!
I noticed Jesus asked Peter, “Why did you doubt me?” I didn’t have an answer to that question either. All I could say was, “I’m sorry, Lord. I saw the waves instead of You!” And then, like the disciples did, I worshipped!
I can’t tell you the storm around me calmed, but the waves of fear in my heart certainly did! You may need that same miracle today. Whether you’re near the shore or have drifted far away, Jesus knows where you are. Don’t be afraid—He’s coming to you!
No matter how overwhelming your storm may seem—
Its waves are never as strong as His love!
