Who is in Your Boat

                               Does your boat float? Or is there a hole in it? Or are you basing your life on things that don’t last? I think most of the world is doing just that. The world is enamored with material things that rust and have no eternal value.

The Bible in John 6 tells the story of Jesus walking on water as the Disciples were in a boat headed to Capernaum.  It was already dark and then a great wind started blowing. They were afraid and then they saw someone walking toward them on the water and were more terrified. It was Jesus who told them, “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 16:20). They willingly received Jesus into the boat and they were instantly at the other side. Yes, Jesus caused a powerful express trip. He caused a miracle. He was the miracle in the boat-God with us, Immanuel.

A similar story in Matthew 14 tells of the disciples in a boat headed to the other side of the sea. Jesus headed up the mountain to pray while the disciples rowed across the lake or sea. A storm came up tossing the boat and they became afraid. Then they saw what they thought was a ghost walking on the water toward them. It was JESUS in the middle of the night walking toward them and they were terrified. He said, “Be of good cheer! It is I: do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).   Peter wanted to walk to him and Jesus says “come.” Peter gets out and flounders when he takes his eyes off Jesus and looks at the waves, yelling “save me.”  Jesus does save him, but says, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).  Then they got in the boat and the wind ceased. Again, the wind ceased when Jesus was in the boat.

One more time in Matthew 8 the disciples are in a boat and a violent storm covered the boat with waves. They thought they are perishing and awakened Jesus who was in the boat with them. He admonishes them saying, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” He arose and rebuked the wind,which obey him and the sea immediately became calm. So the men marveled because even the wind and waves obeyed him.

So who is in your boat? Do you have an empty boat or is Jesus in your boat? It matters. Having the Lord to rely on in the storms of life to calm and still the troubles is available. Trust in him and he will direct your boat, whether a canoe or cabin cruiser, sail or engine. Let him be your power.