" I AM Here!"

More than once I have been in a boat with waves so high I feared for my life. In John 6: 16- 21 we find the disciples battling high waves. They were rowing hard. It is out of the wind and the waves to the voice of Jesus is heard “Do not be afraid, I am here!” (Vs. 20)

Jesus knows that when things seem out of control, fear quickly swells in the hearts of people. He does not rebuke the disciples for the fear; He simply reminds them (while walking on water) that He is here.

I also find it curious as we read about Jesus walking on water, (not an everyday sight certainly) the waves are high and the wind must have been blowing considerably to create that height of waves. It was not a quiet, calm night our Lord walked out to His disciples. The conditions were rough for boating let along walking on water!

In our life and ministry, we find ourselves facing many challenges and sometimes fear rises quickly, remember that the One who walks on water calls to you and me with the same words “ Do not fear, I am here!”

He never leaves us and He continues to give us what is needed for every situation we face.

Jesus had not told the disciples while still standing on the beach “ Do not be afraid, I am with you”. It was not until the waves were high and getting to the other side seemed impossible those words of encouragement were given.

This same truth is just as true today, as it was that day on that remarkable day on the sea.

God's Voice in the Dessert

I have never been a desert wanderer, but I have camped in it once. As the darkness fell, out came the largest beetles I have ever seen. You could hear them rattling through the night. 

I was praying this morning and reflecting on the desert wandering of God's people after they left Egypt. Here we meet them, wandering, complaining and God's pillar of fire with them. It must have been an incredible thing to walk in the shadow of His presence. He provided manna to eat and sandals which would not wear out.

Somehow we assume, when God is so clearly near by- shouldn't it be easier? Should we not be trouble free? They found themselves chased by Pharaoh and his army. They felt trapped and maybe even tricked! And they were not silent about it. They let their displeasure be  known to Moses and to God. We know that God did performed a miracle right in front of their eyes, an experience that would be shared for hundreds of years to follow, 

How many times do we ask ourselves- what else could possibly go wrong? Does God not see that I am at my limit here? 

And yet- even in these difficult moments all of God's wonderful promises remain true. He says to us " Do not fear, do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold us, with His righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

God is faithful to carry out His promises, even though it looks very messy at the moment. He has not ceased being faithful. God never changes. He is for us and not against us. He hears our cry in the dessert and will answer.