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Matthew 14:27

27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying,"Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."


Jesus' disciples were struggling to keep their boat from sinking in a storm when Jesus came to them walking on the water. It was night, and they thought they were seeing a ghost that had risen from the depths of the lake. They may have though it was coming to take them to their death. Jesus called out to them and said, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid." What a relief they must have felt upon recognizing the voice of Jesus.

Throughout the Scriptures the ultimate assurance that God gives is that He will be with us. Isaac (Genesis 26:3), Jacob (Genesis 31:3), Moses (Exodus 3:15), Joshua (Joshua 1:5), and Zerubbabel (Haggai 2:5) were all reassured with the promise of God's presence with them. What greater assurance could we have in times of fear than to know that the One who planned our life and who is all-powerful and all-knowing is right there with us? Is there any storm of life that God cannot see us through? That is the reason we need not fear. That should change our whole perception of every situation.

God is always present in every moment and every place. The question is not one of Him knowing about your need, but whether or not He is going to assist you. The ones who can take heart and not fear are those who belong to Him. Those who are in rebellion against God should fear the fact that He is present. Those who love Him and live for Him are comforted by His presence.

Consider: No matter how powerful the storm, God will see that those who love Him come through in a way that works for their eternal good and His glory. That specter that you fear is not a ghost that has come for your soul. It is Jesus coming to save you. Take heart fellow believer. He is with you.