Read Verses: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25 “I hope you realize that Jesus is “in the boat” with you in every situation. It is up to you to ask Him to lead you through your life’s voyage. He will not push Himself on anyone, but He waits for you to call out His name.” – Carla McDougal “I don’t want to get on the boat.” I shiver on the shore.
The Sea of Galilee is calm. But the sun is setting and Jesus is waiting for me to get into the boat. I don’t know why He wants to suddenly cross. A crowd stands nearby. They have just heard Him speak. But Jesus wants to go to the other side and it will soon get dark. When it gets dark warm air collides with the cooler mountain air and from it wild wind tunnels and night time storms make the sea dangerous to cross. All ready white caps are seen from the shore. The disciples climb into the boat. They don’t know why He wants to cross either, but they go because He asked them. Jesus climbs into the stern of the boat. In another second or two, Peter will push the boat off of the sand. I have a choice. Jesus is looking at me. Get into the boat.
I get into the boat. The disciples struggle to control the boat as the waves become rough. The storm builds. Our sail billows and flaps, snapping angrily at us. By now my robes are wet and sticking to my skin. My hair is sticking to my head and neck. The rain mixes with my tears. A disciple gently nudges Jesus who is sleeping through it all on a cushion.
“Don’t you care about us?” That disciple rants.
I can’t believe he just ranted at Jesus. I blink and wait. Will lightening strike this disciple? I shiver in fear. Jesus stretches and stands.
He faces the violent storm and raises his hands. “Quiet! Be still!”
The wind dies as if someone has struck a light switch. The clouds wither. The storm is gone. We are safe. I breathe slowly again. It is over, but why did Jesus allow us to struggle in the storm?
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Jesus frowns.
I can hear the other men whispering among themselves, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him?”
The boat continues across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. As the disciples and Jesus disembark someone is shaking me.
“Nikki! Wake up! NIKKI!”
I blink. My vision is blurry, but clears to see the concerned face of my husband. I tell him it is just a dream. The sky is dark. The clock reads 2 am. I spend the next thirty minutes mentally talking to Jesus. When my mind is active sleep evades me.
“Lord, I don’t know what to do.” I mouth to the ceiling.
Get into the boat.
“Why is it that I am so afraid now? I always take risks. Why am I second guessing myself now?” The fan whirrs above me.
Get into the boat.
“So just do it. Just get into the boat as you say and risk it. Easy for you to say! You can see all. You are holy and powerful. I am just a cracked pot. I seem to encounter tough hurdles and mess up all of the time. Why me?”
Get into the boat.
“Okay. I’ll get into the boat, but please help me. I can’t do this alone. I trust you to lead this boat wherever it may lead. Forgive me when I am scared though. I know you view fear as a sin. Forgive me. I do trust you. I guess I just don’t trust myself.” I close my eyes and pray for His calming hand in every storm and finally sleep.
“The Potter must maintain a firm and steady upward movement by locking his hands together. This allows him to form a lifting tool with his hands as he moves and thins the clay. On the Potter’s wheel, he can produce large numbers of handmade functional wares. Even though the wheel aids in establishing symmetry and precision, every piece produced is unique and never exactly the same as the previous one. All pottery creations are indeed individual creations.” – Cynthia Bonner
