“It Is I, Don’t Be Afraid”

“… Jesus immediately said to them: ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’” Matthew 14:27

The disciples knew Jesus. They had walked with Him, watched Him perform miracles, and heard His teachings firsthand. But even they were overwhelmed with fear when the storm arose.

They didn’t recognize Him at first, Jesus, walking on the water, approaching them in their struggle. They thought He was a ghost!

And that is exactly how fear works! It distorts our vision, blurs our faith, and magnifies the unknown.

But notice that Jesus did not rebuke their fear with anger. Rather, He meets them with presence. “It is I. Do not be afraid.” That phrase carries weight. In Greek, it echoes God’s divine name: “I AM.”

Jesus wasn’t just identifying Himself, He was revealing Himself as the very God who spoke from the burning bush, who parted seas, who leads through fire and cloud.

And that same Jesus is still speaking today into your storm, your confusion, your long nights: “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Even the most faithful get shaken. But Christ’s presence is not dependent on our clarity, it is constant. You may not always feel Him, but He is never far. He is Emmanuel. God with us.

Lord, when I am overwhelmed and uncertain, remind me that You are near. Even when I can’t recognize You in the storm, help me trust Your voice. Let Your presence calm my fears. Amen.