Daily Verse: John 6:20

But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
 

The words above were spoken by Christ as he was walking across a lake towards a boat filled with his disciples. When the men saw Christ approaching, walking on the water, a seemingly impossible task, they were terrified. Maybe they thought it was a ghost…or some form of a demon…for no ordinary man could pull of this kind of feat. They didn’t recognize Christ, the very man that they had come to follow, standing before them. That is until he spoke the words above…then they were at peace. Verse 21 says “Then they were willing to take him into the boat”…it is not until they hear his familiar voice that they realize Christ is the one standing before them, that he is with them…and at that point the fear and uncertainty washes away. At times in our lives, our Lord puts things before us…things to help us grow, expand, and prosper…things that seem completely terrifying and riddled with uncertainty. And we react as expected…we get scared, worried, and completely uncomfortable with what we see. We think we are vulnerable, exposed, and ripe for the picking. But then we hear God’s voice or we feel God’s hand…not necessarily in the way that these disciples did when Christ was literally standing before them in the flesh…but perhaps in a more subtle way. Through the Holy Spirit at work, we realize his presence and we are wrapped in the peace, certainty, and calm that comes with knowing that Christ is standing before us, leading the way. We are not alone, we are not at risk, we are not vulnerable…for with Christ we have security, strength, peace, and confidence. May we step into each day knowing that the Lord goes with us…and that no matter what, he will provide for all those that put their faith in him. To God be the glory!