Text: Matthew 14:23-33
Memory verse:
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.””
Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV
The greatest assurance you can ever have in the midst of the overwhelming storm is to know that the Lord is with you. Most times, we fear because we think we are alone in it or that the Lord is unaware of what we are facing.
When the three Hebrew men were being threatened and taken into the fire, it was as if they were alone. However, by the time they were thrown into the furnace, the Lord showed up. ““Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”” (Daniel 3:25).
Likewise, in our text today, when the disciples were in their darkest moment on the sea and they appeared to be alone, Jesus showed up. “About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. “ (Matt 14:25 NLT). They were already getting near the morning. You know that the darkest period is usually the hours just before the day breaks. That’s also the most difficult period in the race of life and it is where most people give up. The hosts of hell also release their most dangerous arsenals on believers at this time. But Jesus showed up at that time! What a caring God! This is what David meant when he said, “Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me” (Psa 23:4 GNT). But they were afraid because they thought it was a ghost, until Jesus assured them of His presence. The presence of God drives away all fears even in the midst of the darkest storm. Friends, God has covenanted to be with you at all times and even through the darkest storm. He revealed this in His covenant name, Jehovah-Shammah, which means, “the Lord is there”. (Ezek 48:35). He is the Lord who is present. This is what John meant here: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
(Rev 21:3). Jehovah Shammah is the God who will never leave us nor forsake us. Hallelujah! So, whenever you are in the midst of the storm and it appears as if He is silent, be assured that the Lord is with you there.
Now, Jesus came in majestically and confidently, walking on the raging water. You see, friends, the One who is with you is above the waters, the threatening storm, the adversities and every opposition you may be facing right now. He is above and He is above all! He has authority over the sea and the raging storm. He will cause them to bow to you. Glory!
So, the first word of Jesus in the midst of the storm is, “… “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” (Matt 14:27 NLT). What encouragement this would have been to the disciples who were tired and in the fear of losing their lives!
Friends, Jesus is still saying today to you, “Fear not, take courage, I am here”. Don’t be moved by what you see, what you feel or what you hear around. Never allow your life to be controlled by your emotions or negative feelings. Don’t panic or be worried. Rather, anchor your life on the word of God, for He is with you and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Jehovah Shammah will rescue you from the raging storm. Amen.
Prayer points
1. Father, thank You for Your assuring presence in the midst of the storms and at all times.
2. Father, please, drive away all fears, panic and anxieties from my heart and help me to be established in Your word in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. I know the Lord is with me even when I can’t feel so or when it appears He is silent.
2. I am controlled by what God says and not what I feel, what I see or what I hear.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng