The Safest Place in the Boat

Where is the safest place in the boat when the storm is raging? You are tempted to scream in fear and bail out your boat. But, what is most important? Keep Reading…

READ
Mark 4:37-41 - 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!”

REFLECT
“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” These are the words spoken from an unsure heart. Yes, you have seen God’s power at work in your life - the miracles and provision - just as the disciples had. But, what about this time? In the pressure of the moment, you tend to forget not only his power but his care.

Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith in this moment. You might wonder why. Wouldn’t it make sense to panic and scream at the person who isn’t helping? You see, the disciples saw Jesus as just another pair of hands to help bail out the boat. They had forgotten that God was in the boat with them.

It’s easy to have faith for someone else. But, in your moment of crisis - where is Jesus? It may seem like he is sleeping in your boat. You want to yell out in great fear, even great accusation. “Why doesn’t he do something? Doesn’t he care?”

After Jesus calmed the storm, he rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith. Apparently, they had missed something. What should they have done instead? First, remember that God was in their boat. Next, follow Jesus’ response to the storm (in this case, he was perfectly at ease - sleeping soundly).

RESPOND
When the storm is raging, where is the safest place in the boat? Next to Jesus. Instead of accusing Jesus, curl up next to him. Get as close as you can to the Creator of the wind, waves and boat. Tell him about your worries, your anxiety and fear. Listen for his heartbeat. Watch to see what he does.

You definitely need a miracle. Jesus cares. Go to him now.