It is I.

I'm thinking that Jesus' friends were beginning to get a little edgy in our reading today (John 6:1-21). They had just had this wonder-full picnic where Jesus had amazingly satisfied over 5,000 people with food. But it was time to go back to the other side of the lake, and He had not showed up. So they got in the boat and started rowing and noticed, " A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough".

These are quite experienced fishermen who are struggling three or four miles in the dark and all of a sudden see someone walking close by on the water. Whoa! One of our storybooks said, "They were stiff with fear."

Then they hear, "It is I; don't be afraid."  It is evident they recognized the voice because "they were willing to take Him into the boat".

How often do we hear that quiet voice in a scary situation. "It is I; don't be afraid."  Do we take him "into our boat"?  Do we recognize, start to believe, have a little hope, and maybe even thank Him for showing up. Let's remember that we come into His presence with praise. It might make the trip so much better that it seems like "immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading".