NUMBER FIVE:  FEAR FOCUSES ON CIRCUMSTANCES

“When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 
where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. 
By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 
When they had rowed about three or four miles, 
they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; 
and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”  
~~John 6:16-20~~

The disciples had just witnessed Jesus feed five thousand people with five barley loaves and two fish.  That would have been something to see, wouldn’t it?!  A total faith-building experience. 

When evening came, the disciples got in a boat and set off to go across the lake, and circumstances shifted.  

It was dark.  Jesus wasn’t with them in the boat.  The wind had really picked up.  The waters were getting rough.  And as if the storm wasn’t scary enough, they saw someone walking towards them…on the water.  Yep, you guessed it.  Enter Jesus.  

Jesus, knowing the fear this circumstance was causing the disciples, entered this frightening scene, saying,“It is I” (eimi–to be present).  Don’t be afraid.  I’m here.  

In that short little phrase — “It is I“, Jesus was providing the disciples with a shift of focus – from the fearful circumstance they were in the midst of – to His presence with them in the midst of the circumstance. 

What an incredible blessing we have in the Holy Spirit of God, living within us, always there to comfort us, to teach us, and to reassure us of God’s presence with us in the midst of whatever we are facing. 

Don’t be afraid.  Jesus is present.