This oil and cold wax abstract, with gold leaf accents, has been painted on a solid birch panel (1/2" thick), in many transparent layers, some of which have been scraped & incised to reveal nearly hidden hints and suggestions. The inspiration for this painting, and its title, comes from the Gospel of Matthew (14:25) when the disciples were at sea in a storm during the fourth watch of the night. The Romans had divided the night into (4) three-hour segments. The fourth watch was from 3 to 6 am, the darkest part of the night, when people are often faced with their greatest tests, when their own human resources seem most inadequate. In this case, the disciples were fishing alone; Jesus had gone off to pray by Himself. When the disciples were most afraid, sure that their boat was about to be destroyed by the storm, Jesus walked toward them on the water and said, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." This painting is a visible reminder that He speaks these same words to each of us during our darkest nights.