Jesus climbs into the boat with us. This is comforting because this is what He does in our life. I remember when I was a little boy, we all gathered around the dinner table to eat our evening meal. My grandmother had just passed away, and my mother was crying as we said our prayers. This was the first time I ever remember my mother crying. She was in a storm, but Jesus was with her.
When our world is upside down, Jesus comes to where we are. He hears our prayers as we struggle with the circumstances. You may be in such a circumstance now or experienced one in the past where the Lord met you where you were. Psalm 40:2He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. [1]
Jesus Climbed into Boat with the Disciples
The disciples are in the middle of a raging storm. Jesus sees their struggle and comes walking on the water to calm their fears. Mark 6:49About three o’clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed.[2]
When Jesus climbed into the boat, the wind stopped, which is symbolic of what happens when Jesus climbs into the boat of our circumstances. There is something about the presence of the Lord that calms the storms of life.
Jesus Climbs into Our Boat
All through our lives, Jesus climbs into our boat with us. We may not be aware when Jesus climbs into our boat, but we can sense His presence in the storm. He sees you and me straining at the oars. He is not limited by what we believe are impossible circumstances. Instead, He enters our boat. When no one can help me, Jesus confidently climbs in the boat with me and surrounds me with His love.
It is difficult when we feel we are alone, but you are not alone. Jesus is not calling to you from the shore but getting into the boat with you. You can stand tall with the Lord’s strength in the middle of your circumstances. Remember the Lord’s love for you and how He gave His life for you and calls you to faith. He gave His life for you upon the cross, so He can make His home in the boat with you when your life is upside down. May the love He shows you overflow on others who need encouragement.
To hear how Jesus climbs into the boat with us, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-walking-on-water
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 40:2). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mk 6:48–51). Tyndale House Publishers.
Great blog! One of my favorite images of how Jesus is with us!