James 1:6  But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

Our relationship with God is founded on our trust in Christ's promise that God will be there for us. But when we are filled with doubt, we lack faith. And when we lack faith, or trust, we are "like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by wind." We are out of control! And so, we fear and panic in our doubts, in the midst of the storms of life.

Jesus instructed his disciples to go on ahead in the boat through the sea to the other side while he stayed behind to pray. But their boat got hit by the wind and waves of a storm, and they were far from land. Even when Jesus came for them in the midst of the storm, they could not see him for who he was. They thought he was a ghost, adding to their existing fear of death and doom. But Jesus did not leave them in fear. "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid," he said (Matthew 14:27).

"Taking heart" means casting aside our doubts and fear, however much they are present with us in the storms of life. We look to Jesus in every scary scenario. Jesus risked everything for our well-being, even death on the cross. He is with us. Do not be afraid!

-- Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,