What Jesus Did! 'In the Storm' — Matthew 14:24-27

Monday, July 14, 2025

[While Jesus was praying alone], the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!"

But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" [Literally, just "I AM."]

— Matthew 14:24-27 NLT

Key Thought

The disciples' peril is our own. After having launched out in faith, we often find ourselves confronted with opposing forces and powers over which we have no control. But in these storms, Jesus is not absent. He is there in the middle of their rage calling to us to have courage and not be afraid! Why? Because he is "I AM." The God who created the world, who delivered Israel in the Exodus and gave his name to Moses as "I AM" (Exodus 3:14), and who entered our world in flesh and blood as Jesus is still the God who meets us in our moments of crisis and supports us in our struggles as we seek to serve him and find our way home to him.

Today's Prayer

Great I AM, please make your presence known and your will clear as I seek to serve you and venture out in faith. I need your strength and might and power to calm the raging storm of doubt in my heart and to quiet the forces that are in opposition to my efforts to serve you. Please be near and give me courage. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 139:7-10
  • Psalm 46:1-3
  • John 14:27

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7 Related Resources by Heartlight

I Doubt it: Stepping Out of the Boat
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What do we do the calm vanishes and we're caught in the storm? Phil Ware shares a much-anticipated doctor's visit that didn't go like he had anticipated and turned his life from calm into a storm of great concern.
Courage! I AM! Quit Fearing!
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How are you doing in your walk toward Jesus? We don't usually sink into sin all of a sudden, but it is a gradual thing that leads us away when we do not call on the Lord for help.
See All 7 Related Resources about Matthew 14:24-27

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 14:24-27 NLT — "I AM."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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