Christian Response to Fear in Uncertain Times (Matthew 14)
“…they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart it is I. Do not be afraid.’“
- Matthew 14:26-27
ESV
Gripped With Fear
This morning, I needed to hear Jesus’ words in Matthew 14, “Take courage it is I. Don’t be afraid!” (NIV)
As many are aware, there is a lot going on in the world today. 2020 feels like we have entered the Twilight Zone. Everything seems so uncertain that I long to be in complete communion with God today more than ever. I woke up to do my quiet time but got distracted by a string of news articles that consumed 20 minutes of me reading bad news article after bad news article. Thankfully, I came upon Matthew 14 this morning because as I looked at the current events I was gripped with fear.
How do we cast out fear? Where can we find courage?
We can be free of fear by focusing on Jesus’ (who is God) unchanging character and power. This will become the most reassuring truth as one commits to consistently reading scripture and talking directly with God in prayer.
How can I say this?
Let’s look at the truths we can see in Matthew 14.
Matthew 14
This chapter begins with the gruesome and wicked act of John the Baptist being beheaded. His head was placed on a platter and delivered with joy to Herodias.
What was Jesus’ response to this evil? He withdrew from everybody to pray. However, everybody followed after Him, so Jesus taught them out of compassion for them. Then, He fed them by performing a miracle. More than 5,000 people were fed with a few pieces of food that Jesus multiplied.
Finally, Jesus was able to get alone with God, His Father. He sent His disciples on ahead of them while He prayed. When it was dark and stormy, Jesus walks down on the water.
His disciples are terrified when they see Him in the distance, but Jesus quickly reassures them.
Peter is welcomed to step out on the water. He walks a good portion of the distance to Christ with his gaze fixed on Him. Suddenly, he notices the winds and waves, takes his eyes off Jesus, and is quickly overwhelmed by the storm as he begins to sink.
Peter cries out for Jesus’ help and immediately Jesus grabs onto his hand. Jesus saves Him and asks, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Once they make it back to the boat, Jesus is worshipped.
They continue on their journey doing good for others by healing them.
Where to Find Certainty
We often become overwhelmed and fearful when we feel like we have no control in our life.
But look at Jesus.
The terrible events going on during His time did not render Him ineffective and powerless. Despite the evil going on, Jesus continued to be active in doing good. Jesus continued to display His power. He has power over all reality, all of nature, and overall events. God is consistent and always good! He never changes.
This is why we can have hope, peace, and joy. God’s perfect character is certain. He is not corrupted. So, as we see Jesus doing good in the midst of evil, we can be reassured that God is also always active and doing good in the midst of evil.
Christians are the only people who can witness event after event of destruction, death, or chaos and can continue to move forward in boldness because we are the only one’s who have their foundation on the God that is not stifled by evil and is effective in uncertainty.
Recognize that God is sovereign, He is in complete control. That control is led by His perfectly loving and good character.
How reassuring is it that a loving and perfectly moral being is in control and actively doing good for those who love Him?
Again, how do we hold onto certainty in an uncertain time such as 2020 (and beyond)?
Take note, when did Peter become overwhelmed as he walked on tumultuous waters? When he took his eyes off of Jesus.
How can we keep our eyes on Him if He is not physically before our eyes?
Read scripture, pray, seek understanding, and be obedient. This takes discipline and ultimately God will draw you to Him. He is not hiding Himself from you. He has revealed everything about His stability, power, and character all though scripture. When we have Christ as Savior and Lord we also have The Holy Spirit in us which will give us eyes to see His glory and wisdom to understand the things of God.
Peter was only able to walk on water by the grace of God, He was carried by Christ. We also experience and produce the “fruit of the Spirit” by the grace of God – peace is one of those fruits produced by the Spirit in those who love God.
Look at Christ’s example, He had every reason to feel the fear, anxiety, and sorrow that we encounter in life. He could have become paralyzed with fear and grief upon hearing the news of His friend’s death.
Instead, once Jesus received news of His friend’s beheading He withdrew to be alone in prayer with God. Even though He was interrupted by the crowd, Jesus still made time to be with His Father.
No matter our schedules, it would be wise to do the same
Reflection:
Read Matthew 14
How do you feel today in regards to current events?
Does knowing God’s character eliminate fear for you?
Which characteristic is the most encouraging? Praise Him for it.
How long did it take Jesus to respond to Peter’s cry for help?
Do you know somebody who could use this story? Share it with them.
For extra reading I recommend, Matthew 26:36-46 and Acts 4:21-31.
Joshua Whitehead
Joshua is a current resident of Oklahoma, an Oklahoma Baptist University graduate, a husband, a father, and most importantly a follower of Christ who is interested in passing on what he has learned through consistent reading and hearing of the Scriptures and prayer.
As of right now, you can only reach out to me in the comment sections of posts and my email, shown on the right. If you have questions, definitely send me an email! My wife and I will reply back and may make a post with your answer.
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