Who you have in the boat

I have a very close friend and he going through a struggle. He found out he might lose his job. He is a great, happy go lucky guy and a strong Christian. He knows the Lord will take care of him. He's just concerned about his family. He's anxious of course, who wouldn't be. He's fearful of the future unknown.

As I was falling asleep last night I was suddenly transported to a dream state. I was assaulted by a strong image. In my dream, I was thinking about my dear friend and how he is feeling a little anxious about this life situation. I was praying for him and all who are in the same boat. Then an image appeared to me, it was of someone in a boat. Not a ship, or destroyer...just a regular wooden boat. The boat was big enough for a couple of people. The boat was a little worn, but still held together fairly well. The boat gently rode the crest of the ocean. It seemed to me it was haplessly lolling along. The boat was not new and I could see enough to notice it needed a new paint job for certain.

What I saw next was my friend in the boat. He was just sitting in the boat minding his own business. I then saw in the distance a storm was gathering. I could see the clouds darkening. I was frightened. I was not in the water, but somewhere high above. I couldn't warn my friend of the danger and the storm looked ominous. I could see rain begin to fall. The rain then picked up and began to pour down in sheets. The water from the sky was violently meeting the water from the sea. I saw the boat teeter. I saw it sway.

The waves were running up against the boat and the boat was moving at the storms whim. My friend stood up and faced the wind, his shirt bellowed up and behind him. The winds were relentless and the waves crashed upon the side of the boat. The boat was rocking like an empty cradle pushed too hard. I was amazed and frightened for my friend. I saw him try to steady himself by grabbing the side of the boat. I thought he can't hold on forever!

My friend knelt down and he shook something beside him. Another man rose from the bottom of the boat. He stood and spoke gentleness into my friends ear. I hadn't noticed the huddled lump at the bottom of the boat before. My friend stood beside the man and watched. The man then rose his hands into the air and the storm quieted. The boat was still and now just gently swaying in the water.

The sky became friendly again. The wind and rain just stopped, not subsided but stopped. I was astonished and in awe. My friend knelt once more and with his head bowed began to sob, I saw him wipe tears away from his eyes. The man now lay his hands on my friend's shoulder. After a few moments, my friend rose and embraced the man.

I could only watch, but I felt a knot in my stomach. My mouth went dry and I stood in amazement. I could watch from a safe distance, but I know what the storm feels like. It's scary. It's lonely. It can seem overwhelming. This was not my storm. I could only see the man from a distance and how the man saved my friend from the storm. As I watched, my heart was overjoyed and I fell to my knees in thankfulness.

When I awoke out of the slumber and remembered the dream, the message was clear...
The storms don't matter.
The waves can't engulf you.
The wind can't knock you down.
The water won't drown you.
If....if you have Jesus in your boat.

When life happens and trouble comes it matters who you have in the boat!

Mark 4: 39...He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.