Mark 4:35-41

Mark 4:35-41 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

There were also other boats with him. Which boat would we rather be in? The one that Jesus was in or one of the other boats? Do you still have no faith?” Faith in what? Sometimes we need to know which boat we are in. Some of us are in the boat of security. Some of us are in the boat of good health. Some of us are in the boat of friends. Some of us are in the boat of family. Some of us are in the boat of work. Whatever boat brings the most security to our lives is the boat that we choose as our primary place to abide. Which boat are you in or are you in several of these boats, hoping that a broad foundation will give you the protection and stability you need? One fact of life remains: all these boats are going to face the storms of life. Finally, a day will come when you will be the only person in the boat; no earthly friend will be able to cross over with you from this life to the next and no recognition you have earned during your life with give you the strength to take those final steps. Your faith will have to be in something more than just the people or things in the boat. You will need to have faith in something beyond yourself and your boat(s).

Jesus showed the disciples that He was the master of the elements. The elements could not destroy them while Jesus was with them. He revealed that the spirit world has control of the physical. So is it with our beings. We are not just a composite of the elements of this world; we are spiritual beings that supersede all that is physical. As long as Jesus is in our boat, we are eternally safe. We are exposed to the full force of the physical elements, and yes, sometimes the seas are rough, and we don't understand the circumstances. But we are not to be afraid, for the eternal is with us, in us. He is in the boat. If Christ is with us, then we are never alone, even on that final day. What faith should the disciples have had? They needed the faith that He is in the boat, that he is the Son of God and will protect those He loves. This is true with us. This should be our faith: He is in the boat. Our lives are not lived alone; they are lived with him in the boat. That is why we walk with him, converse with him, laugh with him, share everything with him. For He is always in the boat. Live your life today by faith, knowing that He is with you. You are not left alone to face the storms with self-assurance and self-strength. No, He goes with you, sits beside you, and speaks to the storm when He feels the time is right, "Quiet! Be still." Put your trust in him. Lean on him. Do not try to face the storm alone, but let him be your strength. Rest in him right now.