Today's Verse: John 6:20-21

Tuesday, January 21, 2003

[Jesus] 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.
— John 6:20-21

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in their worst nightmare - a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I Am, do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice. First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God who delivered Moses and the Israelites from Egypt. Second, he uses a surprisingly frequent command found throughout the Bible: "Don't be afraid." When we are willing to invite Jesus into our lives during the middle of our storms and messes, he not only says, "I Am, don't be afraid!" but he also helps us find our way to our most important destination, ultimate deliverance.

My Prayer...

O God, the great I Am, you redeemed Israel from Egypt, you won great victories for David, and you raised Jesus from the dead. I know you can deliver me from what may come my way. Please forgive me when I don't act with the boldness that is called for by this kind of faith and strengthen me to more confidently trust in your presence. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Where do you turn in the storms of life?
Illustration of John 6:20-21
Inspirational illustration of John 6:20-21 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.
Eager for His Presence
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[The disciples] had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called..."
I Am: Handwritten Messages from Heaven - Fear
Article by Phil Ware
How in the world do I obey that command? Phil Ware continues his series on I AM from the Gospel of John and focuses on Jesus' statement that he is I AM and so we should not fear.
Not Prepared for These Storms!
Article by Phil Ware
What are you going to hang onto during these storms? If Jesus isn't made the center of our marriages and families, our failure is assured.
See All 10 Related Resources about John 6:20-21

Illustration

Illustration of John 6:20-21 — [Jesus] 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, January 21, 2003

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Sometimes We Just Scratch the Surface'
"Some of the people who lived in Jerusalem started to ask each other, "Isn't [Jesus] the man they are trying to kill? But here he is, speaking in..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Power Behind My Growing Kingdom'
"Dear Disciple, Pentecost came, and My church was born! The presence, power, and work of the Holy Spirit in every true disciple had finally arrived......"
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Pursuit of the Abundant Life' (2 Co. 9:8-9)
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Your Prayers Have Been Answered' (Acts 10:3-4)
"One afternoon about three o'clock, [Cornelius] had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. "Cornelius!" the angel said. ..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse