I woke up this morning in need of a word. Just being honest. Perhaps you know the need as well. Before going to bed, I said to my husband, “Well, the hardest part is here. We’ll see what the next few days bring.”
I wasn’t being negative or pessimistic. It was what we knew would be. It’s necessary but difficult none the less.
This morning I opened to a private message, from an online friend and right there, on my computer, God broke open His Word in the most unexpected and wonderful manner. And if I pronounce that as a true Bostonian, it becomes exactly what it truly was – “MANNA”.
She shared a portion of Scripture with me which has meant more to me in the last few years than any other Scripture. Over this time, God has continually brought me back to this portion, revealing more meaning each time. And this morning was no different.
So come with me to Matthew 14:22-33 ….
Here we find the well known story of the disciples and Jesus having fed the five thousand. Jesus insists the His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side. I find it odd Jesus does not go with them. Rather, He goes off by Himself to pray.
As the disciples are rowing to the other side, they encounter a storm, which Scripture describes as “buffeting” (verse 24, NIV). We would say, the storm was tormenting them, inflicting mental anguish or stress.
It is in the midst of this storm, the disciples see Jesus walking to them from out on the water. As they cry out in fear, Jesus responds, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (verse 27, NIV).
The disciples knew exactly the point Jesus was making …
God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus is whatever we need. He is all we need. The reason for our lack of fear, when fear wants to press in, is truly – He is!
But the story continues ….
As Peter fails in his attempt to walk out on the water to Jesus, Jesus stretches out His hand to keep Peter from going under. We are then told …
“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.” (verse 32, NIV)
Jesus gets into the boat with the disciples in the middle of the storm. The storm stopped after they all got into the boat.
And so He does with each of us.
He enters into our storms, into those circumstances which inflict mental anguish or stress. And He is our “I AM”, all we will ever need in that moment.
An interesting thing occurs after they are all settled in the boat and the storm has ceased …
“Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (verse 33, NIV)
Jesus with them, in the midst of their storm, resulted in worship. They received a glimpse of Jesus for Who He truly could be in every crisis. Christ’s supremacy is often best displayed in the middle of our storms.
Jesus said, “It is I!”
“I AM WHO I AM.”
He is all we will ever need.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ype1xE0wzsg&w=420&h=315]
** Thank you, Janet, for being faithful to pray and to bring encouragement to so many!
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Jesus and Woman 2 Woman and Everyday Jesus .
Glad to be in the boat with Him and with you on this Thursday morning over at 3D Lessons. Even in the storms, we are safe with Him. Thank you for this comforting reminder.
It is a comforting thought to realize not only is He in the boat with us but places others with us as well. We truly are never alone.
Your post was an encouragement to me today. Thank-you for sharing the video of Casting Crowns.
I am so glad the post & video encouraged you. I love when God works in ways beyond our understanding to bless others. Stay encouraged in Him!
Um, YES! The thought of the Great I AM has been resounding in my head/heart for the last several days and I don’t think it is any mistake. Thanks for contributing to God’s work on my heart. 🙂
Sharita, so glad the post spoke to you. Amazing how God knows what we each need to hear. Know that He will be all you need. XO
I cling to that story in Matthew often, too, when facing my own storms. Love how Jesus was in the boat with them through the storm and how he only calmed the storm after they invited him into the boat. Prayers for you in the storm you’re facing.
Thank you for your prayers, Kathryn. May we be quick to invite Him into the boat & allow Him to calm our storms. He truly is so faithful & never leaves us alone. Blessings today to you!