#6 JESUS IS IN THE BOAT 8-20-26

Sometimes it is best to remember that Jesus is in the boat with you. The disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a great storm arose. The waves beat against the boat, and they became afraid. Yet Jesus was there with them. He was asleep in the boat while the storm raged around them. They awakened Him and cried, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38).

How easily we can become like those disciples. When the storms of life begin to rise, we can forget who is with us. We see the waves, we hear the wind, and we feel the boat beginning to shake. We look at the problem instead of looking at the One who is in the boat with us.

Jesus arose and rebuked the wind and the sea, saying, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39). No matter what the storm is like, Jesus has the ability to calm it. The storm that terrified the disciples was completely under His authority. The wind could blow, the waves could rise, and the darkness could surround them, but none of it was beyond His power.

Then Jesus asked them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). His question reaches across the centuries and speaks to us today. Why are we so afraid when Jesus is in the boat? Why do we doubt when the One who has all authority is with us?

Faith is one of the most important things in our walk with God. Faith does not mean that we will never have problems. It means that we believe God is greater than our problems. Faith does not deny the storm. Faith simply refuses to believe that the storm has the final word.

God responds to faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith brings our weakness to His strength. Faith brings our problems to His power. Faith says, “I may not understand what God is doing, but I know that God can handle this.”

The disciples thought they were going to perish, but Jesus was already in the boat. Perhaps you are facing a storm that seems too great for you today. Your circumstances may be beyond your ability, but they are never beyond His ability. God can handle the problems of life if we will trust Him.

So when the wind begins to blow and the waves begin to rise, remember this simple truth: Jesus is in the boat. You may not know what tomorrow holds. You may not know how the storm will end. But you know who is with you in the storm. And really that is all the faith you need.

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Lord, help me remember that You are in the boat with me. When the storms of life arise, keep me from looking only at the waves. Strengthen my faith and help me trust Your power, Your presence, and Your care. Teach me to believe that whatever I face, You are greater than the storm. Amen.

BDD