As you see, I have a toy boat this morning. This little boat reminds me that we are entering into the summer months and many people will be getting into their boats and going out onto the lakes.

Some may go fishing, some may go skiing, and others may just be out enjoying the ride in the boat. Boating season is also the season for thunderstorms too, so when you are out in a boat, you must always be watchful for storms. A storm can come up quite suddenly and you may need to get safely to shore.

One day, Jesus and some of his disciples were out on a lake in a boat. Suddenly, without warning, a storm came up. The wind blew so hard, and the waves were so high, that water was coming into the boat and the boat was about to be turned over.

While the winds and waves tossed the little boat about, Jesus slept peacefully at one end of the boat. Some of the disciples became upset that Jesus was sleeping. They went to Jesus and asked him, "Master, don't you even care that we are about to die?"

Jesus got up and spoke to the winds and the sea.

He said, "Peace, be still."

As soon as he spoke, the winds stopped blowing and the sea became calm. Jesus' friends were amazed! They said, "Who is this man that even the winds and the waves obey him?"

Sometimes, there are sudden storms in our life. It may be an illness, a family problem, or the death of a friend or loved one. During these times, Jesus can calm the storms of doubt and fear in our life. He doesn't always take away all of the problems, but if we will trust in him, he will give us peace in our hearts even in the middle of a storm.

Jesus, we thank you for those times when you calm the storms that come up in our lives. We also thank you for those times when you give us peace even though we are in the middle of a storm. Amen.