Yesterday, (at least, I think it was yesterday), I heard or read someone wishing that people would stop using the phrase 'we're all in the same boat' about the current crisis. Their point was that whilst we may all be in the same storm - we're certainly not all in the same boat.
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| Picture credit: www.LumoProject.com |
Some people are shut in on their own and haven't got within 2m of another human being for weeks, with many more weeks of the same to look forward to.
For families with children - all of these children are different, and all have their own needs. Some families have plenty of space indoors and out - others don't. Some are literally just weeks into their parenting journey, but without the support offered by mums and friends. Others have children home from university - a houseful of adults.
Some people are key workers and therefore many will be even busier and stressed at work than normal - especially those working on the front line within the NHS or other care settings. Others are trying to work from home - some, whilst juggling child care. Some have been furloughed. Some are self-employed and really worried about the future of their businesses.
Some are caring for loved ones at home and anxious about how their treatment and day-to-day care is being impacted. Many are worried about older or vulnerable relatives.
And then there are those who have sadly lost a family member or close friend. Those who never got the chance to say 'goodbye'. Those who have lost a partner, a parent, a son or a daughter...
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| Picture credit: www.LumoProject.com |
But whichever boat we are in, we have God's promise that Jesus is in the boat with us.
Whilst Jesus calmed the storm for the disciples (Matthew 8:23-27) he doesn't promise to calm our storm - but he does promise to be in the boat with us.
He does promise that in the storm we can know peace.
He does promise that he loves us.
On Sunday, here at CBC, we're starting a new teaching series looking at Paul's Prayers. The whole world is going through a crisis - which can turn people to God in prayer. But it can also raise some really tough questions - questions such as, 'why doesn't God calm my storm?'
Without wanting to give too much away, one of the things that we learn from Paul's prayers is that we may still get shipwrecked in the storms that life throws at us. Being a Christian is no guarantee that trouble will pass us by. But Paul's concern is that as we go through those storms, with Jesus in the boat, even if the boat sinks, our trust in Jesus will not waver.
So, however you're faring in your boat, I pray that you're aware that Jesus is in the boat with you, and however much water you're taking on board, and however near to capsizing you are, you know the peace that only he can give.
