Let Him Lead, Do Not Fear

May 11, 2021

So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

~John 6:19‭-‬21~

The disciples had gone out into their boat without their Rabbi. The wind was blowing, the circumstances were uncertain as they were each day they were following the Lord. They had witnessed some glorious things so far and believed in Jesus being their Messiah. As they were rowing, Jesus began to walk towards them on the water. It seems as though Jesus knew where they would be at this very precise moment. Who would of thought? Sarcasm of course, my point being God knows where each and everyone of us are at each moment in time. "Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?"

(Job 24:1)

The Lord saw His disciples right where they were and He met them. This suprised them. Do we find ourselves equally as suprised when Jesus shows up in a moment for us to receive help? I believe we all have. Isn't it something how we witness His miraculous work and receive His blessings, then as He turns up in a moment we least expect it we still get taken back? We still wonder how He does it. Well, its simple! He is who He says He is! "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)

Jesus could of responded in a humanly manner; "Can't you see its Me?" Instead His gentle demeanor never seizes. His response was in comfort; "It is I, do not be afriad." We can still hear and feel Jesus' gentle reassurance as we question what is in front of us. We feel His grace nudging us saying to us in moments of doubt these same words, dont we? "It is I, do not be afraid." We are told many times not to fear, as fear is not of God. Typically when He shows up in a situation His first response is "Fear not." We have read this many times in scripture. God is reminding us to trust in Him and understand He does not wish us to fear. Fear comes from the enemy. The disciples began to question what they were seeing in front of them, they began to feel the effects of fear and they needed reassurance to move ahead in trust. Jesus is always so willing to bring that to us, no matter how often we doubt or question His abilities. After they heard the Lord's voice they willingly brought Him into the boat. Notice after He gets in with them, they are immediately at land where they were rowing to reach. This is a beautiful picture of how we can get to our destination faster with the guidance of our Savior beside us. It proves He is always aware of where we are and He is willing to meet us in each moment. It shows His gentleness for our unbelief. Are we in a situation right now where we need assurance from the Lord that He is right there willing to guide us to the destination? Are we questioning His ability to take us there or to show up in a miraculous way? He is still the same Lord He was the day He walked to those men on that water; "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

His Presence never fades, His awareness never diminishes and His ability to produce the same miracles are available to us and through us. Our job is the same as these men's; we must not let fear control us, we must be willing to let Him come closer to us so we can reach the place we are praying to go. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." (Psalm 56:3)

The Lord is calling us to live in faith and believe He sees us right where we are.

If there is a circumstance you are in right now that requires a leap of faith, reach out with me and grab ahold of the Lord and let Him into your boat. He will lead you where you need to be right at the perfect time.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

(Hebrews 4:16)

I know most of us look at this story and think to ourselves, "How could they have been scared and not known?" But let's be real with ourselves, we know we would of reacted in the same manner. Our human instincts cause us to jump at the sight of the supernatural, no matter how many times we may have witnessed it. The more we put our trust in the One who gives grace, the more time we spend getting to know Jesus personally; we will begin to recognize Him quicker each time He greets us with this reassurance. The disciples believed rather quickly and let Him in. This is what He is calling us to do, to follow Him and know the sound of His voice so that we may quickly let Him in; "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

(John 10:27)

Join me in getting to know the Lord more as we are journeying to our final destination, He is waiting to help take us there!

Prayer:

Precious Yahweh, thank you for the reassurance that You see me at all times, that You are willing to meet me right where I am and guide me to my destination. I cannot do it without You Jesus. I pray to grow closer each day to You in deep relationship so that I may hear Your voice right away and know it is You helping me through each circumstance. I know I have an enemy who likes to disguise himself as an angel of light and I pray for the gift of discernment to increase within me so I may be able to know between good and evil, between truth and deception. Release truth into my life Lord and keep my foot from slipping off the boat that You have placed me on. Bless my brothers and sisters who may feel fearful at what is in front of them. Help them to see You in every walk of life and to shun evil from their midst. I praise You for Your gentleness and patience with me if I begin to doubt in any way. Lift me up closer to heaven so I may truely follow You. May all glory and honor be to You my King of Kings, the One who never changes, Jesus Christ. Amen.