ALREADY IN THE BOAT

Today's reading: Mark 3-4

"As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, Let's cross to the other side of the lake. He was already in the boat, so they started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed)." Mark 4:35-36 NLT

These are the verses preceding the known to everyone words, Peace, be still!

Disciples.

A boat.

Jesus.

As believers, we've probably read the passage hundreds of times. Heard many a sermon preached on this particular portion of Scripture. Maybe even remember the flannelgraph version presented to you as a child.

But this morning, I noticed an order of events I'd never seen before...

...He was already in the boat...

Jesus wasn't asking them to do something He wouldn't be with them in.

Jesus didn't ask them to go anywhere He wasn't going, too.

Jesus never requested something of his loved ones that they would have to do alone.

And He doesn't of us either.

If He asks us to head our boats into a storm--know He will be with us.

If He needs us to step into a situation--know we don't do it alone.

If He presents us with a scary season--know He is already there--in it, with us, orchestrating events that will change lives.

Jesus was already in the boat, what a peace giving thought!