Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!”
Are you calm when losing: job, house, health, retirement plan, loved ones, everything in life? Are you calm when: the doctor informs you you have cancer, you’re stuck in traffic, you can’t go anywhere or do anything, you don’t have enough supplies, the economy is down, COVID-19 is spreading? Are you terrified by what’s happening in our world? Only God knows. It must be very difficult for you. How can you be calm when facing all these challenges? There are three important truth that will help you and I to be calm when we know that:
1) Jesus intercedes for us – 47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land (Mark 6:47). Do you ever wonder why Jesus was alone on land? Mark 6:46 gave the answer, 46 He went up on a mountainside to pray. Jesus was alone to pray. He knew and He saw that His disciples and us will face difficulties along the journey of life, they could not help themselves. That is why Jesus prayed for them and He prays for us all as well. Today, Jesus still prays for our protection and preservation from the evil one and from all fear (John 17:15; Matthew 6:13). Every early morning and evening Jesus prayed (Mark 1:35). Jesus is a man of prayer. Jesus began and ended his ministry with prayers (Matthew 4:1-2; John 19:30). Jesus prayed for his disciples and all believers (John 17:6-19; 17:20-24). Jesus always lived in prayer. What an example for us to follow. Do you know why Jesus did that? Because prayer is the source of God’s power. Prayer can accomplish a lot of things that hands cannot accomplish. When you are afraid of anything or anyone, you can pray and trust God as David cried out to the Lord and had confidence in Him (Psalm 34:4; 56:3-4). Jesus lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). What an honor and privilege that the King of kings and Lord of lords intercedes for us. Because of Jesus’ prayer, we are enabled to be calm in every situation. We can live and learn from our dear Lord to pray for others as He prayed for us (James 5:16). In every circumstance, when we cry out with confidence, God’s Spirit controls our lives and calms our hearts and minds from all fear (Philippians 4:6-7). We are encouraged by Jesus’ intercession for us.
2) Jesus intervenes in our lives – 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost (Mark 6:48-49). Beloved, Jesus saw that we were in serious trouble, rowing hard, and struggling against the wind and waves of life’s storm. Jesus came to us. He cares for us (Psalm 8:3-4). He will not let us down or drown. He is involved in every aspect of our lives. He intervenes in every situation. Jesus is truly our living Savior and Lord of life. Friends, there are some people who died for a cause, some who died for a country, but only one died for your soul and mine. His name is Jesus. Because He loves us so much, that is why He gave up himself for us and after three days He rose again. Knowing Jesus intervenes in our lives makes us smile and feel secure, stable, and still. We are so grateful for Jesus, our loving and living Savior and friend.
3) Jesus identifies himself to us –50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed. Every time you are terrified by darkness, dread, difficulty, or death, remember these three precious and powerful words of our dear Savior. He still speaks in a little voice into our hearts, souls and minds today, “Don’t be afraid, Take courage! I am here!” Because Jesus is always with us, we don’t have to be afraid. You can be calm every time you are fearful, frustrated, or frightened by the news and circumstances. Jesus is our peace (Ephesians 2:17). He will give you perfect peace as you trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3-4). He knows how much we needed Him in our lives. His living presence gives us confidence, courage, and cheer. In the midst of any circumstances we can surely be calm, when we know Jesus intercedes for us always. When we know Jesus intervenes in our daily lives. When we know Jesus identifies himself to us. We can be surely calm!
