As a pastor, I am for sure not immune to feeling overwhelmed by difficulties. Also, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, life can sometimes make me feel like I’m drowning.
Perhaps the disciples felt this way. In fact, in the gospels of John, Mark, and Matthew, we are told how these fishers of men were overwhelmed with fear at the sight of their teacher walking on water through a storm. As a result, it says they were “terrified” because they thought they saw a ghost!
Isn’t it good to know we are not the only ones who experience fear and anxiety?
What happens next in this story has unquestionably helped me in times of difficulty. In the midst of the storm, the disciples cried out in fear. As they did, Jesus inserted Himself into the middle of their situation. And that changed everything!
Notice how Jesus replied to their cries of desperation:
- “But Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” — Matthew 14:27
- “But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’” — John 6:20-21
- “Immediately he spoke to them and said: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” — Mark 6:50b
“It Is I”
Jesus became like the frosting in the middle of an Oreo cookie. Always the best part. He is the “It is I” sweetly separating the two hard cookie shells of “Take courage” and “Don’t be afraid.” Jesus is indeed the glue (delicious, creamy icing) that holds your life together. This is especially true when you are feeling crushed by troubles and hardship.
Are you surrounded by problems that are overwhelming you? Not to mention afraid? Allow Jesus to get in between you and your trials. Imagine Him stepping into the middle of your despair, grief, pain, or stress. And then hear His words to you, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Remember, if you allow Jesus into the middle of what is hard in life, then your circumstances can suddenly become sweet.
Keeping Jesus in the middle,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor