Is Jesus in Your Boat?

Problems in life may come crashing down on us. Test results show that you have late stage cancer. You got an email from HR that you have been laid off. You find out that your lover has betrayed you.

When problems come, they often come without warning like a sudden storm. We are trapped in the middle of the sea. The gigantic waves of tragedy engulf us. The shock, the fear, and the pain keep drowning us as we struggle for air. One moment everything is fine. But the very next minute we lose even the hope to live.

The Bible tells of a story in which Jesus’ disciples get into a boat and set sail to cross the Sea of Galilee—a huge lake known for sudden squalls. Some of the disciples are experienced fishermen, and they know the waters like the back of their hands. But nothing has prepared them for this storm that hit them this time. As their boat is being swallowed up by the waves, the disciples know that they are going to die.

And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
(Luke 8:24, ESV)

Fortunately for them, Jesus is in that boat. He rebukes the wind and the waves. Like a wild animal before its trainer, the mighty ocean hushes.

When life’s storm hit, what matters is that Jesus, the Creator and Lord of the universe is in our boat. Wind and waves will always be part of life. But if Jesus is in the boat, no storm is too great.

He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25, ESV)

Jesus’ disciples have been following Jesus, but they have not come to know who Jesus really is. It is when they see the winds and waves obey Jesus’ command before their eyes that they begin to realize who He is. Jesus is the Maker and Ruler of all things. He alone has power over the storm. What Jesus wants of His disciples is faith—to put their lives entirely in His hands.

Do you know who Jesus is? Are you willing to place your faith in Him? Ask Jesus to be in your boat. Let Him be the captain of your life. Start by telling Him through prayer that you want to commit your life to doing all He says. Read about Him and what He teaches in the Bible. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit, be with you every moment, and empower you to live each day to please Him. With Jesus as your Lord and Master, nothing in life can threaten your soul. He will keep you and carry you safely through the storm.

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