This past Sunday evening’s sermon was about Christ and Peter walking on the water in Matthew 17. The funny “coincidence” was that I had taught on the same passage to the little ones in my Sunday School class that same morning. While I was reading through the passage to prepare for teaching, Jesus’ response to his disciples as they were cowering at the sight of a “ghost” stood out to me.
But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” – John 6:20
Immediately, I thought of the circumstances in my own life that make me afraid or worry or be anxious. And I thought of how nothing comes to me that is not from my Father’s hand. He works all things together for good in my life (Rom. 8:28). So as I look at the circumstances that seem daunting or the trials that would cause me to be afraid, I need to see them for what they are. They are God’s working in my life to make me more conformed to the image of His Son. And for that reason, I should not be cowering in fear or worry, but should be praising His name for His marvelous work! Instead of being so overwhelmed and having my eyes only on what I can SEE going on and happening in my life, I should be able to see that God is in those circumstances and, for that reason, I need not fear.
