The boat in which the disciples were sailing was actually quite large compared to what most people have in mind. I have a 14 foot aluminum fishing boat, that is my experience. Peter's commercial fishing vessel, however, was 27.5 feet long, 4.5 feet wide, and around 4.5 feet deep. We know this because a 1st century commercial fishing vessel was discovered and recovered during a 1986 drought in the mud of the Sea of Galilee. The boat was finely crafted - made without nails, but rather wooden pegs which when in water would swell perfectly to a tight fit so that the planks and boards held firmly together. We likened the boat to our lives: no matter how much money or education or things we have, the storm which causes us "poverty of spirit" will inevitably come, the storm that will cause us to put complete faith and trust in God. Five of the twelve disciples were seasoned fishermen, they had been in and experienced storms before, but none like this - they were terrified. Why did they wait until they were in true danger before they woke Jesus? Why did they wait till the last minute to call of Jesus? we do the same thing in the business of our lives, and we don't think of Jesus until the wave is already upon us. Jesus showed his power, got up and calmed the sea. Then he utters the words I hope never to hear from the Lord, "haven't you any faith?" It must have stung the disciples, but through the storm they got to see the power of God. While smooth sailing through life is nice, it is through the storms that God gets to shine, and we can experience His amazing power and presence! When you experience a storm, rouse the sleeping Christ within you to calm the raging sea!
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