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

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

[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

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Oswald Chambers:
"Today Jesus Christ is being dispatched as the Figurehead of a Religion, a mere example. He is that, but he is infinitely more; He is salvation itself, He is the..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Colossians 3:1-2
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above,..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Courage, Investment, & Call!'
"Dear Disciple, I AM deeply moved when people show their undivided loyalty to Me and are willing to invest everything they have in My cause. Remember...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
John 17:15
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. "

Illustration

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

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.

More What Jesus Did!