“And when He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but He was asleep.” Matthew 8:23-24

Rough Waters

Once I got into a boat and hooked an 8-foot great white shark. Once I got into a boat and found myself vomiting my breakfast into the rolling waves. Once I got into a boat and caught delicious fish for dinner. Once I got into a boat and hauled teenagers back and forth to Houseboat Camp. Once I got into a boat.

There are many reasons to get into a boat. You want to enjoy the lake or the sea and be out on the pristine waters. You desire to sun yourself, or ski, or swim, or catch fish. You want to travel the waters from one point to another.  In this case, the disciples got into the boat because He got into the boat. They were disciples of Jesus and because they were disciples, they followed Him. If you are a follower of Jesus, you get into the boat. What does your boat look like?

They may have expected a cruise to another side, a pleasant voyage. What they got was a great storm. You can never be sure what will happen when you get into a boat.

The great storm arose and the boat was being swamped by the waves. This was not the desired outcome of their nautical adventure. In my own life I have been caught unaware in a storm and felt swamped by fears and doubts in the dangers. My intentions had been to follow my “Captain” and yet in the moment it seemed as though all had gone upside down.

This was my saving grace. Jesus was in the boat. That made all the difference. Had I forgotten Jesus was in the boat? Did He seem to be sleeping? Cry out to the Captain of your salvation. He awakes to your call. He calms the sea and quiets the waves. His purpose in the voyage will yet be accomplished.

Be assured, Jesus is in the boat.

“Father, in placid waters and in storm-driven tempest, we will follow You. We trust You in all things, in all ways, in every circumstance. Lord of wind and waves, we will follow You. To the glory of Your name, Amen.”