When I read this, I had to stop and share with you (and my blessings) how my eyes had been opened. Jesus asks us to get into the boat with Him. Sometimes we are afraid to go in because we know our sins, we've been called by our sins for so long, and we're afraid He doesn't remember our true name because we've been known by our sin for far too long. The disciples, without Jesus, got in the boat and started out to their destination. We do that, don't we? We have our boats, our lives, and whether God is with us or not, we set out to our destination. Then, the darkness sets in. But, we left Jesus, and He hasn't joined us on our journey, so we keep going. The raging storms of this life arise, and unwanted circumstances and unwise choices churn, along with our stomachs within. Then, we see Him. Is He really here in our madness? As He approaches our lives, we become afraid. In His grace, He says, "It is I. Don't be afraid." The storms rage around us, around our Lord. Even in our sin, as we run from Him, turn from Him, or simply travel our road of life without Him for a time, He has come to us, above the storm, above the raging waters, and He offers us peace. As we allow Him into our boats, into our lives, He proves to show us the worth of the storm. When the peace comes, and we look around, we realize that, though we were afar off, though the storms had taken us off our route, Jesus has redeemed us and used the storm to take us to our destination.
One can ponder whether or not the storm was the means by which we reach our destination or whether it was purely a miracle. Either way, God has used the storm to bring us closer to Him. He has proven to be over the storm, over the rage, and the author of peace.
Today, as choices arise, let us stop for a moment to check our boats. Is Jesus there? If not, let's take a moment to invite Him into our boats, for the journey, I am persuaded, will be far more peaceful with Him along for the ride.