What Are You Afraid Of?

When you were a kid, was there something that you were particularly afraid of, such as: the dark, bugs, people (or a particular person), being left alone, getting lost, or something else? Did that fear ever leave you?

I am reminded of an account in the Bible, and you probably know it too. In John 6:15-24, we learn that one evening, Jesus had instructed his disciples to get in a boat and go to the other side of the lake. As night settled in, the wind came up and the waves were rough. Although some of them were fishermen, they were all afraid of the storm. Perhaps the fishermen were more aware of the potential for danger. Verse 19 tells us “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.’ Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”
Afraid? These were the same disciples that had just witnessed Jesus feeding over 5,000 people! If Jesus had the power to do that, why were they afraid? What does their reaction tell us about human nature?
Do you think you would have doubted your senses if you had seen Jesus walking on water like that?

Look at the timeline here:

•  Jesus wants to be by Himself (15).
• He doesn’t leave with the disciples (16).
• A storm comes in and the disciples are afraid (19).
• Finally, Jesus arrives (19).
• They immediately arrive at their destination (21).

What truths can you deduce from Jesus’ timing? Do we have confidence in who Jesus says He is?  How does that impact our life?
We may no longer have the fears of our youth, but there are still many things that might cause fear and worry for us: job security, bills, raising kids, safety, and so many more. That gives us all the more reason to trust God’s promise when He says, “’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me (Hebrews 13:5,6)?’” And similarly in Deuteronomy 31:5,6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”