It’s Friday…Terrifying at First Glance

Sometime terrifying circumstances come into our lives. And we, who fear the unknown, don’t like the expected visions they bring. One dark night, the disciples of Jesus were in a boat on the sea of Galilee and were terrified when, in the middle of a storm, a figure walking on the rough water approached them. They had never before encountered this, of course. Was it a ghost? Did it mean them harm? What are the fishermen to do when out of the windblown waters comes a mysterious vision?

Jesus allowed for the disciples’ momentary panic, but He didn’t leave them in the dark, literally or figuratively. His identity was quickly revealed.

“It is I; don’t be afraid.” (John 6:20)

His presence is the antidote to terror. Jesus calms the storm, whether those storms rage outside of us or inside our hearts. One way or another, He brings peace if only we will hear His words: “It is I.”

Life is full of circumstances that are Terrifying At First Glance and can consume us with worry about the future. Financial crises, health crises, spiritual dilemmas, emotional needs, and any other vision that threatens us in a storm cause us much stress. But here is the lesson learned by the disciples: What initially made them panic was the very Person who brought them growth, faith, rest, and guidance.

Our crises can do the same. Though our initial reaction may be panic, in reality Jesus may be coming to us with a crisis that heals, strengthens, encourages, or guides. To us, they are threatening. To God, they are often the very means to develop us as His children. They may bear eternal fruit that our terrified eyes cannot at first see.

Will we, like the disciples, take Jesus “into the boat” (John 6:21)? When they did, John reports, they immediately reached the shore. Their panic – like ours most often is – had been unfounded. Jesus brings them, and us, safely to solid ground.

Have a relaxing weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who trust Him and rest in His peace at all times and in every way.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)