Do Not Be Afraid

Today’s scripture: John 6:15-21 (NRSV) (The MessageWhat might God be saying to me?

My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):

In our scripture today we find the disciples right in the middle of doing what Jesus had told them to do. After feeding the multitudes with bread and fish, Jesus retired to the mountainside and the disciples went down to the lake for the long journey home.

As fishermen, the disciples had worked these waters leading to Capernaum many times, but this night was different. The wind had whipped up and this had made for troubling seas.

The last time the disciples were in a boat during a storm, Jesus had been right there with them, but this time they were required to trust him without being able to have him physically present. The weather made handling the boat difficult. After hours of hard work the disciples saw Jesus walking towards them on water. At first they were afraid and thought they were seeing a spirit. Jesus, once again, brings his calming presence and says to the disciples, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

Walking this Christian walk is difficult, and at times it can be scary. Life constantly places obstacles and hurdles in our paths. I had a friend once who said that life just happens and indeed it does. I often find myself rolling along on auto pilot, believing that I am doing exactly what God has planned and out of nowhere comes an unexpected circumstance that causes me to ask God why.

It is during those most trying times when we must remember that Jesus is always close by. No need to fear, we hear Jesus say, it is I. When life’s storms reach their most tumultuous we need only reach out our hand and take the always open hand of Jesus. We may be surprised to find that he is so much closer than we ever realized.

Thought and prayer for the day: God, help me to see you in the storm I’m in today.

We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to begin, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.