Jesus Is Still Watching
Thursday, October 8
Jesus Is Still Watching
And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side… Matthew 14:22
One of the most beautiful parts of this story is that although Jesus wasn’t physically in the boat with them at first, He knew exactly what was happening. Matthew tells us that Jesus saw the disciples struggling against the wind. He saw them. He knew where they were. He knew what they were facing and eventually, Jesus came walking toward them on the water. Today, let us not look at the circumstances and instead focus on the One who is watching us. The storm may be loud, but Jesus is still present.
The disciples thought they were seeing a ghost, but Jesus said: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” — Matthew 14:27. In other words: “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.” What a word for someone in the middle of a storm. The waves may be high, but Jesus still sees you. The wind may be against you, but it does not mean God has forgotten you and the same Jesus who told you to get in the boat is the Jesus who will meet you in the middle of the storm.
This is worth remembering: our current circumstances do not necessarily determine where God is taking you. You may be in a difficult chapter, but that doesn’t mean the story is over. You may be in rough waters, but there is still another side. We may not understand what God is doing, but keep obeying. Don’t abandon the boat simply because the weather changed. You got in because Jesus told you to get in, so stay with Him. Keep your eyes on Him and when the storm comes, remember who gave you the assignment in the first place.
Prayer for today: Dear God, when I feel overwhelmed, remind me that You see me. When I feel alone, remind me that You are near. When I feel like I cannot go any farther, give me strength to keep going. Lord, if You are calling me to get in the boat, give me the courage to say yes. I may not know what is waiting on the other side, but I know You are there, so I will get in the boat. I will trust You in the storm and I will keep going until I reach the other side. In Jesus’ name, amen.