It is I!

 “It is I; be not afraid...” John 6:20

After the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus went off on His own while the disciples took a boat to go across to Capernaum. It was dark, the waves were rough and rising high with the strong wind. When they had rowed three or four miles out, they saw but did not recognize Jesus, approaching the boat, walking on the water. They were terrified. I would be terrified as well! But Jesus said, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 

Most times, we do not recognize God when He visits us. God comes while we are living out our ordinary every day lives. He does not disrupt our days, MOST of the time. But sometimes He does, and if we take God at His Word, we will see it as a blessing, a gift, even if it is terrifying in some way. The apostles were experienced fishermen, well used to going out to sea in the dark, in fair weather and foul. This time they see something unusual and it terrified them. When they recognized it was Jesus, they calmed down and were happy to have Jesus join them. 

When my brother Robert received the diagnosis that he had colon cancer, his attitude was very surprising to most people. He saw cancer as a gift and blessing. Robert said “I am so incredibly grateful for this life now. I used to hate myself. I used to think about taking my life all the time. That has completely changed now. I realize that life is short—I don’t have to rush things. Before you know it, life is over. I am now living the best life I’ve ever lived. I am so incredibly thankful for this cancer. It is indeed a gift.” 

God comes into our lives bearing gifts. These gifts do not always take the form we like. Sometimes it terrifies us, dismays us, depresses us, makes us cringe. But sometimes, if we open our eyes and our heart, we can receive God’s gifts with joy.

If you know someone who is sick, or if you yourself need healing, you can listen to healing verses from the Bible. I made a compilation years ago. Sorry, the audio is not very good but one can read along. In Proverbs 4:20-22 says:

“My son, pay attention to what I say;

    turn your ear to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight,

    keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

    and health to one’s whole body.”

Indeed the Word of God is medicine to our body! Listen here:

https://youtu.be/iovWasy_bOw?feature=shared