After seeing the miracle of feeding 5 000 plus people with two fish and five loaves, Jesus sent His disciples by boat across the Sea of Galilee while He stayed behind to pray. What a high they must have been on at the end of that day!

We know what that is like. Yet our biggest challenges often come directly after our biggest breakthroughs. This happened to the disciples too.

Matthew 14:24-27 (NKJV)

²⁴ But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

²⁵ Now 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, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

In the midst of the storm, Jesus was still there. He saw them straining against the wind and came towards them on the water. The point is: Jesus was there. He is always in close proximity to us. Let’s not be so distraught by our circumstances that we miss Him, or think He’s a ghost!

Jesus’ presence in your situation makes all the difference. You may have every cause to fear because of what you are facing, but He is with you.

Just like He told the disciples, He is saying to you today “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid”.

What are you facing today? A bad diagnosis from the doctor? Physical symptoms of pain and illness? Not knowing how you’re going to pay your bills or feed your family? Know this: Jesus sees you. And He is with you. Let His loving presence encourage you.