#463 Open Our Eyes to See
I had something unexpected happen, which I labeled as ‘very bad.’ At first I saw only the circumstance and my first reaction was fear. But Jesus faithfully revealed himself to me.
In Luke 24:36 When the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples, he stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Their first reaction was great fear. Luke 24:37 So often they did not recognize him.
But he always found a thread of fellowship and familiarity that helped them take the leap of faith from fear to belief when the reality was beyond their ability to comprehend.
There was a similar incident during Jesus earthly ministry. It was dark and a strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. They saw Jesus walking on the water, approaching the boat and they were terrified because they did not recognize him. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
Then they were willing to take him into the boat…” John 6:16-21
In meditating on the various appearances of Jesus, and on this incident in the storm, I asked to hear his voice through those appearances.
Do not be afraid of the appearance of circumstances.
I am with you. I am working THROUGH the circumstance.
Just because you do not recognize me, I am still there.
It is the same me, though things have the appearance of change and unfamiliarity.
The unfamiliar becomes a condition of adventure and comfort when you realize that I am with you in it!
O Precious Savior, teach us to see you amid the storm.
Open our eyes to how you wish to reveal yourself,
so that we willingly welcome you into our boat so tossed by wind and wave.
When the darkness seems to hide my face
When my love is hidden, with no sign to trace;
When the storm seems to rule, for calm there seem no chance
I am with you in this circumstance.
“It is I,” there is no need to fear.
“It is I,’ my power and love are near.
“It is I” amid the stormy sea.
I will calm the waves. I will make you free.
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.
I had something unexpected happen, which I labeled as ‘very bad.’ At first I saw only the circumstance and my first reaction was fear. But Jesus faithfully revealed himself to me.
In Luke 24:36 When the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples, he stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Their first reaction was great fear. Luke 24:37 So often they did not recognize him.
But he always found a thread of fellowship and familiarity that helped them take the leap of faith from fear to belief when the reality was beyond their ability to comprehend.
There was a similar incident during Jesus earthly ministry. It was dark and a strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. They saw Jesus walking on the water, approaching the boat and they were terrified because they did not recognize him. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”
Then they were willing to take him into the boat…” John 6:16-21
In meditating on the various appearances of Jesus, and on this incident in the storm, I asked to hear his voice through those appearances.
Do not be afraid of the appearance of circumstances.
I am with you. I am working THROUGH the circumstance.
Just because you do not recognize me, I am still there.
It is the same me, though things have the appearance of change and unfamiliarity.
The unfamiliar becomes a condition of adventure and comfort when you realize that I am with you in it!
O Precious Savior, teach us to see you amid the storm.
Open our eyes to how you wish to reveal yourself,
so that we willingly welcome you into our boat so tossed by wind and wave.
When the darkness seems to hide my face
When my love is hidden, with no sign to trace;
When the storm seems to rule, for calm there seem no chance
I am with you in this circumstance.
“It is I,” there is no need to fear.
“It is I,’ my power and love are near.
“It is I” amid the stormy sea.
I will calm the waves. I will make you free.
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me.
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