My wife and I used to watch the show, Deadliest Catch, for a number of seasons and somehow for reasons unknown we just stopped watching. I’m not sure what drew us to the show but we found ourselves glued to the TV each week. We were fascinated with the stories of these men which always served as the background to the show. It was and it wasn’t just about fishing.

One of the the things that kept me glued to the TV was just the sheer danger involved. Crab fishing on the Bearing Sea is consistently listed as one of the most dangerous if not THE most dangerous jobs in the world. Men on large boats in the midst of an enormous sea that was determined to do everything in its power to make these men give up their breakfast over the side of the ship was just too entertaining to pass up.

These captains were all seasoned, hardened, battle tested, weather worn, cursing, chain smoking tough guys who were made to look human in the mist of some violent storms.

The book of Matthew tells the story of some other fisherman facing similar challenges long before Captain Sig of the Northwestern fished the waters of the Bearing Sea.

After preaching to large crowds near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus and his disciples got into a boat to go across the lake to seek some solitude. As they crosses the sea a violent storm came at them with winds so great these seasoned fishermen thought they were going to die. Where was Jesus? Why didn’t he care?

“Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him.” (Matthew 8:23-27 NLT).

1. Jesus is always in the boat. You and I are never alone when we are walking with Jesus. He is with us in the midst of any storm that we encounter. Jesus chose to get into the boat with his disciples and he chooses to be in the boat with you.
2. Jesus is in the suddenly’s. When the storm came out of nowhere causing fear and panic in the hearts of these men Jesus was there. When you suddenly get a bad report from the doctor, Jesus is there. When you suddenly lose a loved one, Jesus is there. When you suddenly end up in a head on collision, Jesus is there. When you suddenly get evicted from your home, Jesus is there. When you suddenly realize you haven’t paid enough attention to your marriage, Jesus is there. He slept through the storm not because he didn’t care but so that we could to. The night is always the hardest time when you’re in a storm. Sleep evades us. Minds wonder and and wander. But, Jesus is in the suddenly and he brings peace.
3. Jesus is in control. The word of God speaks. When he speaks the storms obey him.

Jesus is the Captain of the ship. He is not at the mercy of the sea or of any storm. They are always at his mercy. What storm are you going through now? Do you need to invite Jesus into the boat? Are you facing a suddenly?

Even though the winds are strong. Even though the waves are crashing around you and you can taste the salt water on your lips Jesus is always in control.