BE OF GOOD CHEER

Matt 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

 

What a message to receive when you are in a storm, not knowing if you will go down or not. Not knowing if you will survive the night. “Be of good cheer…” How could Jesus possibly tell them to be of good cheer, when they were in this desperate situation? There are two reasons why they could be of good cheer in this situation. 

1)    Jesus said: “It is I”. In the original text it says, “I am”. That is the very well known name of God from the Old Testament. Its like Jesus is saying, don’t worry, because I have ALL power in heaven and in earth. I am the “I am”. There isn’t any storm I cannot still, or any mountain I cannot move. 

2)    Now I am here. Not only am I able. Not only am I God revealed in the flesh. But now I am here with you.

We can be of good cheer in the midst of our storm, and in the midst of our problems, even before they are solved. As long as we know Jesus is with us, and as long as we know he is in our situation, we can be encouraged. 
Jesus said the same to his disciples in John 16:33 ”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

You WILL have tribulation, but remeber when you face them that I have overcome the world, so… BE OF GOOD CHEER