That canoeing experience is similar to what the disciples of Jesus faced in Matt 8:23-27:
“23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ 26 He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!’ “
In our life, there would be many storms – passing away of loved ones, broken relationships, chronic health problems, loss of employment, financial difficulties, lack of career progression, etc. When you encounter these difficulties in life, remember the Lord that we serve. Jesus will surely see you through. Be a man of great faith. God wants the best for us and He will be faithful to provide, only if we look to Him for help.
The seamen acknowledged that even the winds and waves obeyed Him. We too, when faced with the storms of life, should be still and know that He is God, the Lord who lords over even the winds and the waves. He is bigger than the storms of life. In the face of a storm, as the psalmist says in Ps 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
In times of peace, we should make time out to read God’s Word, to hide it in our heart (Psa 119:11 – I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you). In times of crisis, all the more, we should cling onto God’s Word so that it will be the rudder that steers our life.
Among us, there may be some who are going through storms in our lives. It is our duty, as believers, to help bear one another’s burdens. When someone is in the storm of their life, we help to calm the storm. If he is straining, we help bear the burden. If he stumbles, we lift him up. Helping fellow believers carry the weight of their worldly troubles is one of the chief practical duties that ought to consume every Christian. We should build up the church culture where we are always ready to give a helping hand when we see someone in distress.
Gal 6:1-2“1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” Always look to Jesus who can calm our storms.