Illness gives us ample opportunity to hear the reassurance, don’t be afraid. Marius shares why we need to hear this.
“But He said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid,'” (John 6:20).
Jesus walking on water in the midst of a storm; out at sea: A display of His phenomenal omnipotence, which defies all human reasoning. The sea had no option but to respond and break every law of human science: keeping it’s Architect afloat.
Who can ever forget the barren fig tree which He cursed for been fruitless? Immediately it began to wither, and by the following morning it had succumbed–shriveled from the roots.
When the disciples saw the supremacy of Jesus walking on the sea with such authority–perhaps they thought they were seeing a ghost. Although just the sight alone of someone walking on the rampant waves of the rowdy sea; in the pitch black of the night is enough to petrify the most courageous of hearts.
What must be noted here, is the fact that He reassured them: “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
Sometimes we may behold God’s omnipotent majesty in nature, and become terror-stricken. It may leave us feeling disheartened, and too perturbed to come home to our Shepherd; after drifting: Afraid we may be in for a scolding.
However, I have learned that a shepherd does not thrash and wallop a sheep which has wondered off. Instead, He first makes sure it’s unscathed; then carries back to the flock in His arm. How much more gentle is the good Shepherd, Christ, toward us, who are the sheep of His own flock, for whom He died?
We must never be reluctant to come home to our King: The prodigal son did so; after living with the pigs, and was embraced with open arms and tears. Satan would want nothing more than for us to turn our back on the Shepherd of life; afraid we might be rejected and not granted forgiveness.
Flee such preposterous reasoning. Did Christ not say He came not for the righteous, but for sinners? Let us never be weary or too afraid to come to Jesus with a broken and contrite spirit. Our Lord says: “It is I; don’t be afraid.” We are after all Abraham’s Children: Children of faith; Children whose hope is in the King.
Prayer: Father grant the serenity to come boldly to Your throne of grace; not to doubt. Strengthen our faith daily in our walk with You; in Your Son’s precious name we ask, Amen.
About the author:
Marius J. Botha Lives in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a born again Christian, and spends most of his time reading and writing–since been touched by God’s miraculous grace. He believes the word should be presented with a “law to the proud and grace to the humble” disposition. You can reach him at mariusjbotha.writer@gmail.com
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
There are hundreds of verses in the bible that basically say, “Don’t be afraid” or “don’t fear.” What is a time that you tend to feel fear? What do ou usually do with that fear? (Worry, pray, stress out, talk it over with a friend, bury it?)
Do you feel overwhelmed today? Here is a comforting song, “Do Not Fear” by Hillsong. Turn up the speakers and raise your palms toward the Lord and have a moment of praise.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 
Marius, these are all good reminders of how God can calm storms and override nature itself and still be available to us, calming us to know His care as we release our fears to Him.
It is nice to welcome you to the RM writing team!