Courage and confidence!
Verse for Today: Monday, January 06, 2014
Matthew 14:27 – But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.
Storms in the sea of life are devastating and fearful. Its intensity is felt more harshly when it strikes on a dark night. It is a time when our expertise fails to find a way out. Precautions are impracticable because it strikes at unexpected time and unpredictable intensity. Jesus taught His disciples to trust Him on several such situations. They had with them expert sailors like Peter, Andrew, John and James, but their experience failed to save them from fear and peril. It was the fourth watch of the night, around 3 a.m. and there was no one else to help. There was no light and no radar for them to proceed. They were afraid and lost hope. But little did they realize that Jesus walking towards them with words of comfort and strength. He who holds the oceans in the palm of His hands has no difficulty to step on waves just has he would walk on firm ground. He demonstrated to the fearful disciples that He was in control of all elements at all times. He showed them that His presence was with them even when He was physically invisible. He also showed them how He would come to them when their faith was weak and they were filled with fear of their dark and cloudy situations. The same Jesus is with us when we go through devastating storms, mighty winds and strong waves in the stark and dark realities of life and situations. Even when our human intelligence tells us that there is no hope, He comes to tell us to be courageous and put our full hope in Him.
Dear friend, perhaps you are going through dark and cloudy days in your life. It is possible that you are looking at the mighty winds and the waves around you which seem to engulf you, wipe you away from the face of this earth and drain away your courage and strength. Perhaps you are battered by your fearful situations and taking away your peace and rest? But today Jesus wants to reassure you that His presence will not depart from you in all circumstances. He is with you, though invisible to your naked eyes. His mighty power is encompassing around you. If you take your eyes off your situations and the threats you encounter, you will be able to see Him by faith. His promise of protection and provisions are with you all the time as He has promised. In the midst of mighty wind, powerful waves and darkest night with no one to help, Jesus will certainly be there with you in your current situation. He wants to tell you that there is no need for you to be afraid and lose courage. He knows what you are going through and has made enough provisions for you to be kept secure in His hands. His mighty arms of care and protection are around you. He will not allow your circumstances to harm you. Pretty soon the wind will stop and there will be calm. There is no reason to doubt His faithfulness to see you through the current difficulties. There is no scope for doubt and confusion when you are looked after by Jesus. He never brings doubts or confusion into your heart, but joy and peace. When you exercise faith in God, your fear will disappear. You are challenged to look unto Jesus and be courageous today. Trust Him to take you forward by His hands. Even if it is the fourth watch, Jesus will come to rescue and restore you and take you forward.
Matthew 14:25 – And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them walking on the sea.
Thought for Today
The wind of circumstances will not penetrate our hearts when we dwell under the shadow of the Almighty.
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord Jesus: Help me to see Your invisible presence in all my battering, dark and cloudy situations. Amen!
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