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Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:26–27 (KJV)
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

Devotional

These disciples were not amateurs on the water; they were seasoned fishermen. If men like that were terrified for their lives, the storm was no small squall. On top of that, they see a figure walking on the sea and think it is a spirit. Everything in them screams, “We are going to die.”

In their fear, Jesus doesn’t scold first—He reassures first. “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Courage in the Christian life is not the absence of fear; it is obeying Christ in spite of fear because of who He is.

What sinks us is not the size of the storm, but how much of the storm we let inside. Boats don’t go down because of the water around them; they go down because of the water in them. In the same way, it’s not the world around you that ultimately breaks you—it’s what you let into your heart and mind.

Jesus’ words are enough to steady the soul: “It is I.” The One who created the winds and waves is standing on top of what terrifies you. Courage doesn’t come from looking at the storm; it comes from looking at the Savior.

Reflection

  • When you face trouble, what do you tend to focus on first: the size of the storm or the presence of Jesus?
  • What “water” from the world have you allowed into your “boat” (worry, bitterness, constant negative voices, sinful habits) that is weakening your faith?

Prayer

Father,
You know every storm around me and every fear within me. I confess that too often I let fear drown out Your voice. Help me to hear Your words fresh today: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” Guard my heart from letting the world’s fear and doubt seep in. Fill me with faith in Your power, not in my own. Make me courageous not because I am strong, but because You are with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action

Identify one “fear voice” you’ve been listening to—news, social media, a pessimistic person, your own negative self-talk. Limit or turn off that voice today, and intentionally replace it with God’s voice by reading aloud this passage (Matthew 14:26–27) several times and meditating on it.