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

Friday, July 14, 2017

At this time, the boat was already far away on the lake. The boat was having trouble because of the waves. The wind was blowing against it. Between three and six o'clock in the morning, Jesus' followers were still in the boat. Jesus came to them. He was walking on the water. The followers saw Jesus walking on the water and they were afraid. They said, "It's a ghost!" The followers shouted with fear. But Jesus quickly spoke to them. Jesus said, "Don't worry! It's me! Don't be afraid."
— Matthew 14:24-27 NLT
Illustration of Matthew 14:24-27 NLT — "It's a ghost!" —— "Don't worry! It's me! Don't be afraid."

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 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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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.

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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