Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope

Guest (Male): Welcome to Johnny Erikson Tada sharing hope. Here's our friend Johnny with an assuring word from Jesus.

Joni Eareckson Tada: Yes, it is from the mouth of your savior directly to you today. Because if you are struggling, no matter what the hardship, if your heart is troubled, Jesus speaks this to you from Matthew chapter 14 verse 27. He says, take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid. Now, I want you to picture. I want you to just imagine God speaking those words over you, actually to you today. He's saying, don't be afraid. If your strength is low, have courage. From the mouth of the most high to you, take heart. God knows how to furnish courage to a fearful heart.

He knows how to parcel joy to a sad heart. He knows how to give strength to a weak heart. My friend David Mathis of Desiring God Ministries has something to say about this. David writes quote, when Jesus speaks to us, one of the most distinctive words we hear is take heart. He does not say follow your heart, but take them. Remind them of who he is, what he has done, and what he will do. Jesus rolls back the stone and speaks into the tomb of your soul. He creates what he commands as he says with sovereign sway, take heart.

He who says take heart also says I am. David goes on to describe that terrifying moment on the Sea of Galilee when the hearts of the disciples were deeply shaken. They're terrified. They cry out in fear, but Jesus speaks to them, take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid. Literally his words are take heart. I am. Of course, which has a double meaning. It is I, Jesus whom you know. I, I am the great I am. As when Moses asked for God's name and he said, I am who I am from Exodus. So Jesus now declares to his disciples, to you, I am.

When Jesus tells us to take heart, he does so as God himself. I am God, and there is no other. He says, I am your creator. I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. I am God himself made human dwelling among you, and I am for you. Do not be afraid. You are under my watch and my care, and no storm, however great, can match my power and protection. So take heart. I am. You have the attention of God himself. Were those words from David Mathis sure are encouraging you old friend when you are suffering, when you have great needs, when you are filled with sorrow and you cry out with that beggar alongside the road and Mark chapter 10, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.

Jesus is not inattentive to that pleading. Even though you cannot see him in the midst of that crowd, yes, even on the side of the road where the beggar was sitting, even in the middle of the noise and the mayhem, you've got his attention. He is moving toward you to heal you and bless and extend his grace to you. David Mathis also recounts another well-known take heart statement from John chapter 16 when Jesus was in the upper room the night before he died at a time when no one would have thought less of him for thinking of himself only, he turns to his disciples and says, in the world you'll have trouble, but take heart.

I've overcome the world. Old friend, don't miss it. It's a truth to rehearse time and again. When your courage is faltering, take hold of your heart and remind it of things that are true. Jesus has overcome the world. The shadow of your suffering will pass and he will see you through to the darkest valley. So take heart.

Guest (Male): And if you'd like to read the entire article by Dave Mathis, you can find it at johnnyradio.org.