April 18, 2026
Second Week of Easter
Amid the Storm
But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
John 6:20

In this beautiful passage, the disciples are out on a boat when a storm begins to brew. Imagine sitting in a small fishing boat as the winds and the waves intensify.  Suddenly, in the face of the storm, the disciples realize how small they really are.

We often feel exactly like them when storms come into our lives, don’t we? Even if we generally perceive ourselves to be the calm and competent captains of our lives, when unexpected storms take us by surprise, we are overtaken by fear. We feel small in comparison to the power of the stormy sea, tossing us mercilessly, blinded by the rain and wind. We lose our ability to navigate.

It is there, in the midst of the storm, that we can look carefully to find Jesus. He walks on waves. He calms the storm and whispers, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

- Kristin Armstrong

Acts 6:1-7 ✚ Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 ✚ John 6:16-21
Powerful waves crash against rugged rocks under dramatic skies;  De Kelders, Western Cape, South Africa. Image by Roger de la Harpe | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
April 18, 2026 at 07:33 PM

What were the disciples afraid of? *** John 6:18-19, “A strong wind was blowing, and the water became rough. They rowed about three or four miles. Then they saw Jesus coming toward the boat. He was walking on the water. They were frightened!” *** Matthew 14:24-26, “The boat was already a long way from land. It was being pounded by the waves because the wind was blowing against it. Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to the disciples. He walked on the lake. They saw Him walking on the lake and were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said. And they...
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Debbie H
April 18, 2026 at 01:26 PM

Wonderful devotion, Kristin. Now I am singing the beautiful hymn "Be Not Afraid". Have a blessed day, LFF.

freeter
April 18, 2026 at 11:34 AM

Amen. :)

Stormi
April 18, 2026 at 10:19 AM

Kristin your words hit home for so many of us. May we all find solace in the love of God each and everyday. Vicky G. continued prayers for your family!!! I wish I could snap my fingers and ease your burdens. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. Holy Spirit fill the heart of all in this world and guide us to a more heavenly earth.

Kjc
April 18, 2026 at 09:46 AM

Thank you Kristen for your contributions and comments this morning. Do not be Afraid is said many times in the Bible. VickyG please know that I am praying for you and Jennifer and her family right now. Ken

SusanB
April 18, 2026 at 09:36 AM

Dear Vicky G., I'm adding my prayers for you . . . for peace, hope in the love of God, and comfort. Today's Responsorial Psalm seems appropriate, "Lord, let Your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in You." May God's peace and love be with you and all of your family!

CBR
April 18, 2026 at 09:26 AM

Amen Amen Amen God be with us all as we go through the week in Jesus name I pray Amen

Gary
April 18, 2026 at 09:03 AM

Amen!

Holly
April 18, 2026 at 08:52 AM

Amen!

Cheryl
April 18, 2026 at 08:11 AM

Amen... thank you Kristin... yes He is always there for us amidst the trials and tribulations

Mike
April 18, 2026 at 08:15 AM

Amen

Lia
April 18, 2026 at 01:59 AM

Amen

Powerful waves crash against rugged rocks under dramatic skies;  De Kelders, Western Cape, South Africa. Image by Roger de la Harpe | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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