Imagine yourself on a small boat in the middle of a vast ocean. Suddenly, dark clouds gather, and a fierce storm begins to rage. Waves crash against your boat, the wind howls, and the vessel rocks violently. Panic sets in as you realize that your boat might not be strong enough to withstand the storm. In that moment of fear and uncertainty, a question arises: Who is in your boat?
In life, we all face storms—challenges and hardships that threaten to overwhelm us. The key to thriving in the midst of these storms is not the strength of our "boat"—our resources, skills, or circumstances—but who is in the boat with us. **Is Jesus in your boat?**
Storms in life are inevitable. We all face difficulties—whether it's dealing with a sudden illness, experiencing a financial crisis, enduring the pain of a broken relationship, or grappling with anxiety and uncertainty about the future. These storms can shake us to our core, making us feel as though we are lost at sea.
Since I became a Christian, I have weathered a few storms in the sea of life. I don’t think I would have survived if I did not know that Jesus was there with me. Not all storms are the same. There are some you encounter and are able navigate easily enough while others are so ferocious that you doubt if you would make it through.
In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious squall arose. The waves broke over the boat, threatening to swamp it. The disciples, in their fear, woke Jesus, who was sleeping peacefully despite the chaos around Him. They cried out, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (Mark 4:38, NIV)
Like the disciples, we often panic in the midst of our storms, feeling abandoned and fearful. However, the key detail here is that Jesus was in the boat with them. Despite the storm's severity, Jesus was calm and in control.
The story of Jesus calming the storm is more than just a dramatic account of a miracle. It is a profound lesson on the presence and power of Jesus in our lives. When the disciples woke Jesus, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" (Mark 4:39, NIV). The storm ceased, and there was a great calm. Jesus then asked His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40, NIV).
This narrative teaches us that the presence of Jesus brings peace and assurance, even in the most difficult and chaotic times. The disciples' fear was not because of the storm itself but because they forgot who was with them in the boat. We, too, often forget that Jesus is with us during our trials, ready to speak peace into our situations.
I remember many years ago, I got a senior software development position and I was so happy and excited because my previous role did not end well. Three months later, I was summoned to the office of the CTO and I was told I no longer had a job. I was devastated and my confidence flow out of the window. The experience was akin to my being on a ship in the storm with dark clouds hampering my view or the road ahead.
After the initial reaction to this storm, I remembered who was in the boat with me and within a few weeks, I got a new role which ended up paying more and I would spend the next 5 years working in that role before the Lord moved my on, this time on my own terms.
It is a natural human tendency to rely on our own abilities, resources, and understanding when faced with difficulties. We often think that the stronger our "boat," the better we will fare in life's storms. However, this is a false sense of security. Our boats—our plans, finances, health, and even our relationships—can fail us.
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This scripture urges us to trust in Jesus rather than our own capabilities or the perceived strength of our circumstances.
If you already believe in Jesus and have put your hope in Him, please be reminded that Jesus is in your boat. Jesus does not promise a life without storms, but He does promise to be with us through them. His presence means that we are never truly alone, no matter how fierce the storm may be. As you actively seek Jesus in the midst of tough and difficult times, you face those storms with confidence and peace.
To those who have not yet placed their trust in Jesus, this is an invitation to consider who or what you are relying on during life’s storms. Without Jesus, our "boats" are vulnerable and can easily be overwhelmed. But with Jesus, there is a promise of peace and deliverance.
Jesus extends an open invitation to everyone: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV). No matter what storm you are facing, Jesus offers His presence, peace, and power.
Thriving in life’s storms is not about having a stronger boat; it’s about having Jesus with you. Our worldly measures of success—wealth, power, status—are not guarantees of safety or peace. True security and success are found in the presence of Jesus, who is with us in every storm and promises to bring us safely to the other side.
Romans 8:28 reassures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This does not mean that all storms will pass quickly or that they won’t be challenging. However, it does mean that with Jesus, every storm has a purpose, and He will use it for our ultimate good.
As you reflect on your own life, ask yourself: Who is in my boat? Are you trying to navigate life’s challenges on your own, or is Jesus with you, guiding and calming the storm?
