Do Not Be Afraid

(John 6:20, Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:50)

When Jesus sent His disciples across the lake, did he know they would encounter wind and waves too great for their man-made oars? Did he empathize with their fear of white caps and dangerous gusts? Yes. He understood everything looked impossible and dangerous to them, and how they felt out of control and helpless.

We now find ourselves on a churning sea of circumstances beyond our control. We feel exposed and helpless watching our jobs stripped away, loved ones perishing without goodbyes, friends and family separated by edict, churches closed, all our normalcy torn asunder.

Yet, there is hope. Jesus comes to us on the wind tossed waves and says “It is I; do not be afraid.” When he steps into the boat the storm tossed sea becomes instantly calm. Safety and serenity reign because the Master of the waves is with you, right in the boat beside you. Your heart quiets with the knowledge he is here and will be with you through it all.

Years later, you will look back and say, “When things were darkest, he was there beside me in the boat all the time.”

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Psalm 34:4-5 (ESV)




Kathy Sanders