I Am Because You Are August 30, 2025 Devotional

LUKE 12:32 | ³² Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

MATTHEW 14:28 | ²⁸ Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.

Do you have a strategy for overcoming debilitating fears? Let me suggest five ways to defeat fear in your life.

1. Remember your previous rescues. Present difficulties can be put in context, and become less terrifying, when we recall the times in the past that God brought us through storms.
2. Find the flock. Jesus calls His disciples His “little flock,” evoking the imagery of shepherd and sheep. We were not meant to face threats alone. Seek the prayers and support of the Christian community.
3. Own the promises. The scriptural promises are addressed to all of us, but they must be owned by each of us. Hear them as powerful assurances spoken to you.
4. Cultivate the presence of Christ. Nothing reassures us like sensing we are accompanied by Him. His Spirit is our assurance, guide, advocate, and power source.
5. Get out of the boat! As we have “water walking” experiences, adventures where our faith is stretched beyond our comfort zone, we learn to face and overcome our fears.

Which of these strategies do you implement?

Gracious God,

Thank You for Your previous rescues, Your caring community, Your great promises, Your abiding presence, and Your stretching call on my life. Grant me the courage I need to be Your disciple.

Amen.