At once, Jesus said to them, "Don't worry! I am Jesus. Don't be afraid."

Peter replied, "Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you on the water." "Come on!" Jesus said. Peter then got out of the boat and started walking on the water toward him.

But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.

Right away, Jesus reached out his hand. He helped Peter up and said, "You surely don't have much faith. Why do you doubt?" (Matthew 14:27-31 NASB).

He stands boldly between me and the terrors of the night!

I'm sitting here, in the quiet of late evening, listening to beautiful music and I feel a peaceful calm. I can almost see one of the gentle mountain streams of my youth sparkling in the silver moonlight. Isn't it wonderful when all our surroundings gently caress us into a mellow quietness? One is almost called on to softly repeat the old saying, "God's in His heaven, all's right with the world."

However, times like I am enjoying this moment can hardly be viewed as tests of the strength and nature of Christian character. Let the lightning crash, the thunder roll and torrents of the storm wash at the very foundations of the house. Hear the roar of traffic, the noisy clamor of the city and feel the jostling of the rushing crowd. Face the bleakness of an empty wallet, the helplessness of joblessness and the gnawing hunger of too many missed meals. Then, and perhaps only then, can one know how comforting true faith can be.

On the other hand, finding peace in the midst of tumult, joy in the face of oppression and hope when the night seems darkest shows us that God is in His heaven and He also dwells in the heart of the humble, the contrite, the downtrodden, and the outcast. Now that is the nature of the God I need! I rejoice in God, the Lord who stands boldly between me and the terrors of the night and rescues me from a thousand devils in pursuit. One who may be disappointed when I fail to walk on the raging sea because I lose sight of Him, but He always reaches down a gentle hand to lift me up when I cry for His help.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

The Gift for All People by Max Lucado A celebration of God's gift of salvation wrapped in a collection of inspirational stories.

Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

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