BE PREPARED FOR NEW CHALLENGES

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” – Matthew 14:27

Today, I am led to meditate on the written, but living words of one of God’s servants who fought the good fight of faith, finished his course, kept the faith, and triumphantly transited to eternity few years ago. Hear God, through him…

Our God is an unlimited God. He is the source of all wisdom and intelligence. He calls Himself I AM THAT I AM. With Him nothing is impossible and He makes all things new.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” – Isaiah 43:19

You must be ready to recognise God in the desert as well as in the wilderness. The same God will appear in the rivers. He appears in different forms for different purposes and accomplishments. The same Jesus who rode on donkey as Messiah – the Lord of lords and King of kings appeared on the cross one week later as the suffering Redeemer on the cross. And the people shouted crucify Him. It was a new challenge.

The sea waves were boisterous and the winds blowing very strongly on all sides of the ship. It was great tempest that terrified the disciples to death. The Master was in the ship, but He was asleep despite the storm and rage. It was a challenge to the disciples. The disciples came in fear to Him and woke Him up saying, “Lord, save us; we perish” (Mt.8:25b) He arose and calmed the raging sea with, “Peace be still”. The winds and rivers obeyed His will and voice. There was calm and peace restored in the sea. The men marvelled, saying, what manner of man is this, that even the winds and the seas obey Him.

Sometimes later, on another occasion, on the sea at night, Jesus decided to throw a new challenge to His disciples…”And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea” (Mathew 14:25). They did not recognise Jesus. They were not terrified by the troubled sea waves, but by the walking man on the sea who they perceived was a spirit, and they cried out for fear. Jesus quickly came to their rescue from fear as He said: “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:27b).

Fear must not be allowed to overwhelm you as you confront new challenges of faith in your walk with God. It is highly important to recognise Jesus in every situation because He will definitely show up. He has promised never to leave us alone or forsake us. He can show up in any form that will match up to the situation.