ESOCS Devotional 24 April 2022
TEXT: JOHN 6:16-21
MEMORY VERSE: “It is I, be not afraid.” John 6:20
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
There are times in life experience when it will seem that the Lord is far away, and not willing to help us out in a troubled situation. At such times, the forces of men rise to cause us pain and denials. So it was, for the disciples of Jesus Christ. In our text today, while they were at the centre of the sea, it “arose by reason of a great wind that blew. And Jesus was not in sight” (vs. 16-18).
However tough the times may be, we should be sure that no trouble is able to prevent God from having access to us. We have only got to look up to the Lord. The time of trouble is not a time to cry or murmur. It is a time to pray to the Lord with faith (Daniel 2:13-24).
God does not fail to answer us one way or the other when we call on Him in the times of trouble. His answer brings relief that will make life enjoyable. We only have to be strong and courageous. Sometimes, the Lord’s coming to assist comes with the fearful wave of His power. In such times, let us learn to sing songs of praise to welcome the salvation of the Lord. In verse 20 of our text, Jesus cautioned His disciples in the midst of their fear thus: “It is I, be not afraid.”
Let us therefore, at all times give Jesus Christ access to our life. There is no aspect of life situation that He cannot resolve. Just take the problem to Him in prayer, He will surely deliver you. See verse 21 where it is written, “Then they willingly receive him into the ship and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.”
Let us never miss the opportunity to have God draw us out of the pit of life challenges. Prayer, songs of praises, and perseverance are some of the tools we can use. Learn to be patient in hope.
- Is there any power that can withhold God from helping you out?
- I commit my life and its challenges to you, oh Lord. No problem is bigger than God. I receive help, in Jesus Name. Amen.
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FURTHER READING: Jeremiah 31:1-4; Isaiah 52:13-52, 12; Matthew 21:1-11
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ESOCS Devotional 24 April 2022