FAITH CAPSULE: It is worthy to know and be encouraged that, Jesus will not forsake us.
Matthew 14:22-33
Psalm 31:24 admonished us, “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Proverbs 3:25-26 also stated encouragement in direction of those who truly have hope in the Lord, “Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.” Is your hope in the Lord or it is a thing of the mouth and not of the heart? It is easy to confess our hope and trust in the Lord but when trouble or sudden terror comes like a wave, our faith becomes tested. The more we hear and hear about testimonies of deliverance for those who hope and trust in the Lord through the pages of scripture faith will rise.
Jesus made His disciples get into a journey where there faith was tested. He sent them on a journey at a late hour to a point of no return, “…Now when evening came, He was alone there, but the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. ” (Matthew 14:23-26) Jesus’ disciples were not only afraid of the condition they were into but they were also afraid of what they saw. The waves that were tossing their boat and the misrepresentation of Jesus as Ghost generated enough fear for them to cry out in fear. The disciples have seen different miracles, they have walked with the Lord enough to know and hope for salvation instead of fear. Jesus, the One that sent the disciples in the boat across to the other side before Him did not forsake them despite the loss of hope and trust in Him.
Has He called you and yet challenges persist? The word of God came for Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” (Jeremiah 1:5) The same word is speaking to every man today. He that formed us knows our steps and He is able to guide and direct in our entire journey. It is worthy to know and be encouraged that, Jesus will not forsake us. He did not forsake the disciples because at their cry unto Him, “… immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) Our God is still in the business of showing up in every area of challenge but we are to trust and hope in His power of deliverance and preservation.
Prayer for today: Ask God to enable you with grace to hope and trust in His delivering power all the time.