Jesus is Always in the Boat

Chuckle: "Did you say that you fell over 50 feet but didn't hurt yourself? Yes, I was trying to get to the back of the bus."

Quote: "It was a Person that God gave, it is a Person that we need, and it is a Person that we accept by faith.” --Walter Lewis Wilson

JESUS IS ALWAYS IN THE BOAT

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:37-38 NIV)

Jesus and the disciples were together in a boat when a fierce storm came up. Think about the storms in your life -- the situations that cause you great anxiety, fear, and maybe even panic. Through this account, Jesus taught his disciples, and us, a beautiful lesson about our faith during the storms of life. Here are four wonderful principles Jesus teaches us.

First: Even though Jesus was in the boat, the storm still came. This reminds me that even though Jesus is always with us in the form of his indwelling Spirit, storms will continue to rage in our lives. Jesus never promised that our lives would be free of troubles and trials. No, just the opposite is true. He tells us we will encounter these difficult times, but that he is ultimately in control and will give us strength to see us through them. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take Heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV)

Second: Even though a storm was raging, Jesus still slept. During our storms of life, it's tempting sometimes to think that God is sleeping, has deserted us, or just doesn't care. The disciples had seen Jesus perform many miracles and he had taught them much about faith and his kingdom. But, somehow their faith and trust in him became weakened, or non-existent when faced with a difficult situation. Jesus says, "And surely I will be with you always, even to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:20b NIV). "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5b NIV).

Third: Even though Jesus was present, the disciples were still terrified. Whatever your difficulty, you have two options: You can worry and assume that Jesus no longer cares; or you can resist fear, putting your trust in him. When you feel like panicking, confess your need for God and then trust him to take care of you. "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal men do to me?" (Psalm 56:4 NIV).

Fourth: Even though they had little or no faith, Jesus still saved them. Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The beautiful lesson here is that, if we belong to Christ, he will never release us out of his tender love and care. Not only will he give us the strength and peace to deal with life's storms, but we have the assurance that ultimately we belong to him and he has saved us for eternity.

Love, Jerry & Dotse