There is nothing like being in a boat on a desert lake when a summer monsoon rolls in. Blue, clear skies gradually become dotted with clouds which skiers focused on riding the wake ignore until dark clouds and strong winds steal their attention. Tension and fears rise as rain turns into hail and boats battling wind and waves swarm to ramps to painstakingly take turns being trailered.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the time when Jesus suggested a boat ride with His disciples across the Sea of Galilee, knowing full-well that a brutal storm would assault without warning. Fearing for their lives, His followers were astonished to find Jesus sleeping soundly in the stern. Jesus’ rebuke at the wind and waves and the immediate calm revealed again who He was, God in human form.

We all face fierce storms in life and I’m not talking about weather. When troubles are brewing, we can be reassured that God knows they were coming. We can be comforted in the fact that we are not alone. He is in that ‘boat’ with us and is fully aware of our situation, fears, and inadequacies. We can depend on Him, trusting that He is in control and will help guide us to the other side.

The disciples knew exactly who to turn to when in desperate need. And, so can we. Jesus told His followers, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26). He wasn’t upset that they were demonstrating little faith or that they were fearful or that they didn’t understand who He was. Jesus, God in human skin, was with them . . . in stormy conditions, meeting their needs and bringing peace in their storm.

He’s in our boat too, if we invite Him along.