Jesus’ disciples were in a boat far from land. They were alone, for Jesus was on shore. The disciples were in that boat because Jesus had instructed them to go ahead of Him to the other side of the lake, and they had obeyed. But now they were fighting for their lives because strong winds and waves threatened to drown them. In their despair and distress they felt abandoned. They were exhausted and close to giving up.
And then they saw something walking toward them on the water. More trouble—a ghost! The waves and wind were already enough to sap their spirit and their strength, and now they were sure that a specter from the dead was headed their way. Whatever it meant, it could not be good, and they were terrified.
But then they heard a familiar voice over the crash of the waves and the howling of the wind. It wasn’t a ghost headed toward them, it was Jesus. “Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘It’s all right,’ he said. ‘I am here! Don’t be afraid’” (Matt. 14:27). The wind did not calm down immediately. The waves did not stop hitting the boat. Jesus still was not beside them. But it was all right. And it is all right because Jesus is who He says He is, and He keeps His promises.
Have you been tossed about by the winds of adversity? Have you felt the sting of despair? Have you sensed hope slipping away? Have you been confused when hard circumstances came your way even though you knew you were an obedient child of God? Have you experienced the pain of God’s silence when you wanted to feel His presence?
In the midst of overwhelming life situations, remember Jesus’ three short sentences. Believe them, for they are true. Let the words flow over you and sink deep into your mind and heart. Hear Jesus say them to you:
“It’s all right.”
“I am here!”
“Don't be afraid.”
© 2010 Arlina Yates