Who’s in your boat?

Today’s topic is more of a question, and it might sound simple, but it’s deeply personal:

Who’s in your boat?

Life is full of storms — some expected, some completely out of nowhere — and when those waves hit, who do you find riding it out with you? Your circle matters. The people you invite into your heart, your space, your story — they can calm the waters or stir them up. But above all, the one presence that changes everything is Jesus. So today, we’re talking about the people who row with us, the ones who bail water, the ones who maybe rock the boat — and the One who speaks peace to the storm.

Mark 4:38 (NLT) — “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”

Let’s talk about the crew — the people in your everyday life. Think family, friends, co-workers, that one neighbor — who’s helping you row, and who might be drilling holes in your boat without you noticing?

Proverbs 17:17 — “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

Some people are just around for the sunshine. But when storms hit, you learn who’s really in your boat. Being picky about who speaks into your life isn't rude — it’s wise.

Does someone come to mind who has stood beside you when you felt like you were in a sinking boat? Thank God for them.

Remember doing school projects… those were the worst. Why is that? Well, there was always one who never helped, others who kind of helped, one that didn’t let anyone help… you name it — the dynamic was all over the place.

Think about that when you think about who is in your boat… Are the people around you helping you or making it harder for you?

Be mindful of your circle and pray for each person you can think of in that circle. Pray that you are each sharpening and strengthening each other.

This is the flip of the last break where we talked about who is with us… Now, who are you with? We need to evaluate how we are in our circles as well. It’s not just about who’s in your boat — it’s also about how you show up in someone else’s.

Do you bring peace, wisdom, encouragement… or anxiety and noise?

I have thought about this a lot over my life… As a recovering overthinker, I can tell you that I often thought I was sinking others’ boats — and that may have been the case. But in that constant check on myself, I was able to better understand my role and have learned to be more intentional with my words and actions in order to support and speak truth when needed.

If someone listed you in their top five people — what role would you play?

Earlier we talked about your people, but now it’s time to talk about the One who matters most — Jesus. Because no matter how good your friends are, storms will come that only Jesus can calm. The disciples had Him physically in their boat and still panicked. We do the same! But here’s the thing — having Jesus in your boat doesn’t mean there won’t be storms. It means you don’t have to face them alone.

Mark 4:38 (NLT) — “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”

Our main scripture is Mark 4:38 but in the next verse Mark 4:39 it says, “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.”

Jesus didn’t panic. He didn’t grab a bucket. He just spoke.

When Jesus is the boat with you, peace is nearby, we just have to call to Him.

Have you asked Jesus to calm you, even before He calms the situation?

Take a minute today and just say, Jesus, I trust you and let Him fill you with peace.

When the storm was rocking the boat, the disciples went to Jesus and asked, “Don’t You care?” — Ever prayed that?

When we are in the midst of big things, fear distorts reality. But if we are confident in Jesus, we can believe that our faith will restore our perspective and keep us focused on Him.

When I was in high school, my grandfather got really sick. He had to have major surgery, and usually in unknown situations like that, I would almost be panicking because I didn’t want the worst to happen. But in this case, I was so calm and just knew that everything was going to be okay. My grandfather made it through the surgery, but the recovery was rough… He passed. But that peace I was given was because I knew my grandfather was going to be okay — because he was going to see Jesus.

Is your fear speaking louder than your faith right now?

Write out one fear — and then write a truth from Scripture next to it. Let that truth settle in your heart and mind. Carry it with you. God is in control.

We’ve checked our crew, we’ve welcomed Jesus aboard, and now — we row. Life’s journey isn’t meant to be a one-person paddle. Whether it’s your spouse, your best friend, your kids, or your church — we move forward together. And unity in the boat? It matters.

Mark 4:38 (NLT) — “Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”

When rowing, there are different roles, but we are all in it with the same mission in front of us.

Everyone has different strengths, and we need to honor them and serve alongside them.

We can be going along fine in our boats with our people, and then something happens, and we aren’t really moving forward anymore… Sometimes we’re fighting against what God is trying to guide us through.

Instead of paddling in circles, ask: What direction is God pointing? Are you resisting help when you should be receiving it?

Let’s not fight God, but learn to open our hearts to what He has for us so we can continue to move forward and allow the others in the boat to help you as well.

The community around us wants to help us weather our storms.

Sometimes that looks like holding each other together, rowing in rhythm, and worshiping through the storm.

If Jesus is in the boat and your crew is strong — you’ll make it.

Think about where you are in trusting Jesus has the storm under control, and where you can strengthen your crew — or how they can strengthen you.

We are to lean on Jesus but also allow our people to walk with us as well.

Today was a good heart check, wasn’t it? We asked — Who’s in your boat? — and maybe you realized it’s time to shift who you give access to. Or maybe you realized Jesus is in your boat, but you’re not trusting Him to take the lead.

Let this be your reminder: storms don’t define the journey — the presence of Jesus does. And the people who sit close to you? Choose them wisely. Be someone who brings peace, not panic. Strength, not stress.

The storm may rage, but if Jesus is in your boat — you’re already safe.