What Jesus Did! 'Eager for His Presence' — John 6:19-21

Monday, April 27, 2026

[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 out to them, "Don't be afraid. I am here!" Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!
— John 6:19-21 NLT

Key Thought

Sometimes we get so caught up in where we are going that we forget to take Jesus along with us. We try to do things ourselves rather than depending on him. Bottom line: If we don't welcome Jesus eagerly into the middle of our lives, especially in times of difficulty and struggle, we're not going to make it to the place where he wants us to go.

Today's Prayer

Please forgive me, dear Father, when I try to do things by myself and do not depend upon your grace, your Son's presence, and the Spirit's power. I recognize that outside of your grace and without Jesus' presence I will accomplish neither what I want to do nor achieve what you want me to accomplish. I pray and confess this in the name of Jesus my Lord. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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11 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 6:20-21
Devo: Today's Verse
"[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....."
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.
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.
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.
See All 11 Related Resources about John 6:19-21

Illustration

Illustration of John 6:19-21 NLT — "Don't be afraid. I am here!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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