Do Not Be Afraid
“When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”
John 6:19-21
The disciples are tired, drenched, and losing heart. The Sea of Galilee is rough that night, and after hours of rowing they have made little progress. The wind is against them, darkness surrounds them, and Jesus is nowhere in sight. Then, in the middle of their struggle, they see Him walking on the water. Fear grips them before peace finds them. “It is I,” He says, “do not be afraid.”
Those words are simple but full of mercy. Jesus does not scold them for being afraid, nor does He demand more faith before approaching. He comes to them right where they are; struggling, uncertain, and exhausted and His presence alone changes everything. They welcome Him into the boat, and suddenly they are safe on shore. The storm is not the focus anymore; He is.
This story reminds us that Jesus often meets us in the middle of the wind rather than before it starts or after it ends. He does not always calm the circumstances first. Instead, He brings peace to the hearts caught in them. His presence does not always remove the storm, but it always redefines it. What once felt chaotic becomes the very place where faith deepens.
When your own night feels long and progress feels slow, remember this scene.
Jesus has not forgotten you on the water. He sees your effort and knows your fear. His words still carry power: “It is I; do not be afraid.” Invite Him into the boat again today. Let His nearness steady your soul, and trust that He will bring you safely to the shore He intends.
John 6:19-21
The disciples are tired, drenched, and losing heart. The Sea of Galilee is rough that night, and after hours of rowing they have made little progress. The wind is against them, darkness surrounds them, and Jesus is nowhere in sight. Then, in the middle of their struggle, they see Him walking on the water. Fear grips them before peace finds them. “It is I,” He says, “do not be afraid.”
Those words are simple but full of mercy. Jesus does not scold them for being afraid, nor does He demand more faith before approaching. He comes to them right where they are; struggling, uncertain, and exhausted and His presence alone changes everything. They welcome Him into the boat, and suddenly they are safe on shore. The storm is not the focus anymore; He is.
This story reminds us that Jesus often meets us in the middle of the wind rather than before it starts or after it ends. He does not always calm the circumstances first. Instead, He brings peace to the hearts caught in them. His presence does not always remove the storm, but it always redefines it. What once felt chaotic becomes the very place where faith deepens.
When your own night feels long and progress feels slow, remember this scene.
Jesus has not forgotten you on the water. He sees your effort and knows your fear. His words still carry power: “It is I; do not be afraid.” Invite Him into the boat again today. Let His nearness steady your soul, and trust that He will bring you safely to the shore He intends.
Posted in The Word Made Flesh
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