Matthew 14:27
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,
"Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
Before going to the mountain to pray, Jesus instructed the disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the sea. Because Jesus stayed on the mountain longer than they had anticipated, the disciples found themselves alone and being tossed about by furious winds. Jesus, seeing they were in distress, came walking across the waters.
Now in the fourth watch of night Jesus went to them, walking on
the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they
were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer!
It is I; do not be afraid!" Matthew 14:25-27
As I thought of what was happening to the disciples, afraid for their lives, and then seeing someone walking on the water toward them, I understood why they cried out in fear. I would too!
Then I read Jesus' reply,
"Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
This made me think of times I have been afraid. Times I didn't know where to turn or what to do. I realized Jesus had come to me in those moments, not walking on the water, but by a word spoken, a smile given, a note received, or a devotional I've read, giving me hope for one more day. He has led me, not to the other side of the sea, but to the other side of my heartache, confusion, or fear. And as He said to the disciples, He has said to me,
"Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
But of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:6
For I, the LORD your God, will uphold your right hand,
Saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you."
Isaiah 41:13
I am exited to share with you my newly release Daily Devotional,
"Living in the Vineyard."
