When Jesus Rides In Our Boat
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesWhat a difference the presence of Christ makes in our lives and everyday living! For example, when He passes by, a blind man sees (Mark 10:46-52). When He stops in a city, a seeking sinner finds a much needed Savior (Luke 19:1-10). When He enters a boat threatened by a storm, it safely docks (Matthew 14:22-33).
For a moment, let us compare the Sea of Galilee to our life here on earth: For a short period of time, the sea is calm — there’s not a cloud in the sky — there’s not a ripple on the water. Then suddenly, the winds begin to blow, the storm clouds roll in, the lightening flashes, the thunder clashes, and the sea billows roar.
Similarly, for a short period of time, everything in our life is calm, peaceful, and under control. Then suddenly, we receive a phone call in the night that a life is shattered. A doctor’s diagnosis, and life suddenly tilts to one side. A spouse is unfaithful, and turmoil begins. A child rebels, and hearts break. A pink slip is received on Friday and clouds of insecurity suddenly appear. Sin is committed and spiritual defeat thunders back at us.
But let us be encouraged! Through all of the threatening storms that come into our life, if we are God’s children, Jesus is riding in our boat! He shares the storms that suddenly come into our life — He is aware of our heartaches, our tears and our fears (Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:13-16) — He truly cares! (1 Peter 5:7).
When we opened the door of our heart and were obedient to His will (Revelation 3:20; John 14:23), His promise to never leave us nor forsake us still holds true today (Genesis 28:15; Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:5; 1 Kings 8:56-57; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).
Yes, even today, our Lord says to us: “It is I; do not be afraid” (John 6:20). As the disciples “willingly received Him into the boat” (John 6:21), if we will willingly receive the Lord into our life as the Savior and Master of our life, He will guide us safely to our eternal destination, to forever live with Him (John 14:1-3; cf. 1 Peter 1:3-4).