Several responses to that question:
+Some despise the question because they simply don’t want Jesus in their boat. But . . .
“One day every knee will bow;
One day every tongue will confess, ‘You are Lord.’
Still the greatest treasure remains
For those who gladly choose You now.”
+Some who follow Jesus forget that He is in the boat. But He said . . .
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
“I am with you always, to the end of the world.”
+Some who started following Jesus expected a smooth ride. Truth is, Jesus said . . .
“In this world you will have trouble;
But be of good cheer—I have overcome the world.”
“If the world hated me, they will hate you.”
+Some who have Jesus in the boat still try to row it alone.
Personally now: Do you face the storm with frantic fear, or faith?
We try harder and find the storm gets worse—it’s too much for us. Jesus reminds us . . .
“Come to Me, all of you who labor and are heavy loaded, and I will give you rest.”
“My strength is made perfect in your weakness.”
+Some remember to call on Jesus at the last desperate moment, and yell at him.
Does Jesus help then, or fuss them? Both.
He rebukes the storm, and it is calm.
And, He rebukes his followers, “Why were you fearful, Oh you of little faith.”
+But what if Jesus is not in the boat?
Whose fault is that?
And who caused the storm anyway?
Sometimes Jesus shows up in the storm, not in the boat (and scares the living daylights out of us).
Sometimes Jesus causes the storm, without consulting us.
Unbelievable—can we trust Him then?
Yes—we have to. Yes—we choose to.
“Trust in the Lord, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”