(by pastor Jean)

The disciples were in a storm on the sea of Galilee, Jesus came to them walking on the water and He said, “Don’t be afraid, take courage, I am here” (Matt 14:27; NLT). He told them not to fear because He was with them. That is not the only time in the Bible that God tells us He is with us. The 23rd Psalm in verse 4 says that when we walk “through the valley of the shadow of death” we have no need to fear because God is with us. Also, the final words of Jesus to His disciples were, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20; NLT). In fact, the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, means God is with us (Matt 1:23). God also told Moses that He was, “I am who I am” (Ex 3:14). This name reveals God’s eternal existence and presence with us. Like the disciples we also go through storms from time to time (Ps 34:19, 1 Peter 1:6) but what Jesus told His disciples is still true today, “I am” is still with us. I am what? I am whatever you need – help, healing, deliverance, provision, comfort, joy, peace and the list goes on. If you are going through a storm today look to “I am” to help you. The apostle Paul experienced many storms in his life but he said, “Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Rom 8:37; NLT). Because Jesus was victorious over death, we share His victory. “Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).