FEAR RAIDSMatthew 14:22-33

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ÒImmediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.Ó (Matthew 14:22) The disciples needed to get to the other side where Jesus wanted them to be. Jesus knew what it would take to get to the other side and what the other side had to offer for the disciples in order for them to continue in following Him. Jesus could not have been unaware of the storm ahead when He made them to go on before Him. In His sending them, the multitudes were not allowed and He sent them away. With every representative of multitude, you cannot get to the other side where He wants you to be. For those whom He called, He sent and backed them up with support that would help them not to fail regardless of any activity of journey terminating storm. Did He call and send you? Are you in the storm yet? If you are not yet in the storm, the storm will come. It came for the ones that He made to go before Him and it will also come for you. The storm that went for the disciples was not in the beginning of the journey, but rather in the middle of the sea where the only escape from trouble can come by the visitation of Jesus if there will be no reason to be afraid. ÒNow in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ÒIt is a ghost!Ó And they cried out for fear. (Matthew 14:25-26) Jesus did not delay in His response to their cry. ÒBut immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ÔBe of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.ÕÓ (Matthew 14:27) JesusÕ response must have given them a sigh of relief when Peter asked for permission to join Jesus in walking on the water. One thing that is clear in the word of God is not to allow fear or the act of being afraid if we are to have Him in our walk. Jesus, having just showed up and letting them know that He was with them was enough to terminate doubt. When we ignore His presence and make a choice to be afraid, we are consciously or unconsciously telling Him that we do not acknowledge His presence and He will not move when we decide to be moved by being afraid. Peter, while seeing Jesus walking towards him, decided to look into the challenges of the storm. ÒBut when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ÔLord, save me!ÕÓ(Matthew 14:30) Peter operated in doubt. He was faulted with fear and right there, he withdrew himself from the presence of God. With fear, faith withdraws and Peter began to sink. The Jewish remnant wanted to run and dwell in Egypt because they were afraid of the king of Babylon and God sent Jeremiah to speak a word. ÒDo not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,Ó says the LORD,Ó Ôfor I am with you, to save you and deliver you from his hand.Ó (Jeremiah 42:11)  They disobeyed and God withdrew Himself and could not be with them. Do not be afraid. He called you and He will see you through. Do not allow fear to raid you.