Read: Matthew 14:22-33
Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid. (v. 27)
Fear has an extraordinary weapon, its cloudy magnifying glass. It always does two things: first it clouds the actual view and then it magnifies the potential danger. We learn fear through our experiences in life, good and bad. These memories can affect our behavior when we face challenges.
Being exposed to danger does not seem like a smart thing to do, much less choosing to walk into the storm. But God often calls us not to run away, not to retreat, but to walk exposed, with faith, because he knows that the magnifying glass of fear is deceitful and it is blurring our view.
That’s the experience of the disciples in today’s Bible reading. The disciples cried out when they saw Jesus (v. 26). They were completely exposed amidst the strong winds and the terrifying darkness. The terror of fear had blurred their view, causing them to mistake their Lord for a ghost. “It is I!”, said Jesus. “Do not be afraid!” (v. 27)
You may be looking at your situation through the cloudy glass of fear. But there is no situation for us who follow Christ in which he is not in the midst of it. He’s with us in our storms saying, “It is I. Do not be afraid!” When we hear his voice, fear shrinks, and every raging sea calms down. We are more exposed than we realize, but the only protection we have is God.
As you pray, thank God and tell him that you love him and trust him.
Arijeta Ajeti isan actress, director, playwright, public speaker, producer and teacher living in the country of Kosovo. She has performed in the National Theater of Kosovo and around the world. Arijeta is also an innovator of the ARK (Artists Reflect the Creator) initiative which brings Christian artists together to showcase their art and encourage each other in God.
Her devotionals were first published in Words of Hope’s Albanian partner publication, Fjalet E Spreses. Learn more about Words of Hope’s work in Albania and Kosovo.
