It is I, don’t be afraid

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 (NIV)

The disciples were already overwhelmed by the storm they were facing when they saw something that looked like a ghost approaching them (of course it had to be a ghost for what else could walk on water!) (See Matt. 14:22-36). To them the appearance of ‘the ghost’ must have felt like going from the frying pan into the fire. They had more than enough trouble with the storm as it was, so the prospects of encountering a harmful ghost terrified them and made these strong men cry out in fear.

Yet, what they thought was more trouble, was the Lord. Sometimes what looks to us like trouble might actually be the Lord. I remember God speaking to me through this passage almost 20 years ago. I was going through a small storm where everything seemed to be against me (as it was for those disciples). Doors were closed, men where unco-operative and I was running out of time. I had prayed and prayed for things to change but things seemed to get worse instead of better. So I decided to take a night off and ask the Lord what he was saying. (Actually, this is what I should have done at the beginning!). That night the Lord spoke these words to me,

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” – Matt 14:27 (NIV)

Sometimes what looks like trouble might actually be the Lord coming to our aid. Indeed that was my situation back then. The Lord was telling me it was not the devil or my fault that the doors were closed. It was him at work and I was to keep trusting and walking with him. Sometimes we are unable to keep trusting and walking with him, because we want an explanation right now. Yet the Lord’s comforting word to us is, ‘Don’t lose heart. Don’t faint. Don’t fear, for it is I. I am in control. I am at work. I may not explain everything to you, but please trust me. I am here. I AM’.

Notice that the storm did not cease immediately the Lord appeared. All the while Peter was experiencing his walk on water, the storm and wind was blowing. Yet Jesus was there. Our faith must rest on the fact that the Lord is here, even if the storm and winds are still blowing. In due time the storm will be over. The Bible says the winds ceased when the Lord stepped into the boat. God gave me victory over that storm I faced back then. Yet things didn’t change immediately after that night he spoke to me,. but everything changed inside me. I knew who was in control and I concentrated on rejoicing in him and walking with him as I waited to see what he would do. And he came through for me in his own way.

I am not saying that every storm is from the Lord, but I am saying that we need to be still and let the Lord speak to us on every such occasion, because what may look like trouble may actually be the Lord!