On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Mark 4:35
Do you know Jesus is saying the same thing to you and me today? If you are a committed follower of Jesus, the moment you repented and gave your life to him is the moment He held out His hand and said to you, "Let us cross over to the other side."
What other side? In the story in Mark, it was the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had just completed many long days of preaching and healing to the multitudes and He was tired! In fact, it was very difficult for Him to find any time alone or any time of peace. So, He got in the boat with His disciples and said, "Let's go to the other side."
But what is our other side? Honestly, this became very clear to me last week when I seemed to be drowning in earthly problems. Have you ever had seasons where it seems one problem after another keeps coming your way and you wonder when it will end? Well, that's been me lately. During these times the devil likes to whisper in your ear things like:
- God doesn't love you
- God doesn't care
- You've done something wrong and God's punishing you
- See, God's promises aren't real... His power doesn't work
- Your prayers are never going to get answered
- Did God really say...?
Sound familiar? Our enemy has not changed his tactics in over 6000 years. However, sometimes I admit to wondering what is going on! Then the Lord brought me to the story above in Mark and He reminded me that this life here on earth is just a journey.... a short boat ride to the other side.
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow.
A storm arose suddenly! Imagine that. A problem, a struggle in this fallen world? I laugh because that's what this life really is... a series of problems and struggles and let's face it, storms! Why are we so shocked! Why do we think just because we are followers of Jesus that we won't face storms? Some pastors may tell you that... they may twist Scripture to say that you'll have your best life here and now. Let me tell you something, if that's the case, if this is my best life and heaven is no better than this, I'm in real trouble.
Let us cross over to the other side, Jesus says with a smile as He extends His hand.
And when the storm rose, He was fast asleep in the boat. It even mentions that he had a pillow! That always makes me laugh. I have such a hard time sleeping in my own bed... and here Jesus was so calm and at peace, He could sleep on a ship in a storm! But there's much to be learned from that.
- Jesus is with you in the storm
- Jesus is not concerned one bit about the storm
The truth is neither should we be concerned one bit about the story. Why? Because Jesus said
Let us cross to the other side.
That means that you WILL cross to the other side. He never lies. He never exaggerates. His Words never return to Him void.
And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Don't you care about my problems? Don't you hear my prayers?) Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace,be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
Jesus had told them they were going to the other side. Hence, they should not have been worried about the storm. They should have believed Him... that they would make it to the other side.
What about us? Do we believe Jesus that we will make it to heaven, that He's with us every step of the way. That if He desires, He can calm the storm?
Equally important and the lesson I believe the Lord was teaching me. Why are you even looking at the storm? Why you concentrating on the problem? Look ahead at the shore on the other side. That's your destiny. That's where you're going. These storms? They are nothing in comparison to where you're going. They can't hurt you if I'm with you. They can't stop you from your eternal destiny as long as you stay in the boat and with me. In other words, rise above the storm, walk on the water with me, and together, hand in hand, we will reach those glorious shores together!
Wow! Talk about divine appointments - this came to me at just the right time.
ReplyDeleteThis morning on my commute to work I was seeking God's face about going back to school to get my Master's degree, and I've been so focused on my outstanding student debt that it has made it even difficult to breathe. I definitely needed a quick reality check to know that God has got everything under control - even the storm of my student debt and the uncertainties of my future.
God is so amazing how he uses people - thanks so much, MaryLu, for being led by the Spirit and listening to his prompts! You, one again, are such an inspiration!
I'm so glad the post blessed you, Miriam ! I love it when I get this confirmation that I wrote what the Lord led me to. I pray the Lord calms your storms soon!
DeleteI recently discovered that this is the only passage in the Bible that mentions Jesus sleeping. Add to the fact that He's doing so during the middle of a storm, compels me to follow His example and "rest" in Him. This is so easy to type, but as I'm facing a 'physical storm' of my own right now I find myself leaning more towards the disciples actions of focusing on the toss and turning of the boat and seeing the storm clouds and feeling the waves. Thank you for the reminder of the TRUTH that I, too, will make it to the other side with His help.
ReplyDeleteYou will make it, Amy! Just keep clinging to Jesus. I'm sorry about your current storm. :-(
DeleteFantastic reminder, my friend. Thank you for staying true to God and continuing to post the truth as shown to you. Hang in there and keep weathering your storms, Cap'n. And remember, Chappy is never too far away and weathers a lot of the same storms. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI do remember and lean on you often for prayer! Thank you, my friend!
DeleteSuch timing. I've been facing a couple of storms myself, lately and really needed this reading.
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, I just got off the phone with someone I'm hoping can help me and this post was the first thing I saw when I opened Facebook.
My pastor spoke on Mark 5 yesterday. His point was the strength of our faith.
Yes, there are times my problems overwhelm me and I see no end but the truth is that Jesus has everything under control and I must remember to take a deep breath and look to Him.
Thank you for this post.
Amen, Evelyn. Just keep your eyes on Him! This too shall pass and soon we all be in glory!
DeleteMark 6:45-51 has always been one of my favorite verses. I also can relate to these verses. I can in my minds eye see Jesus standing on the shore alone and watching His Disciples and straining at the oars, because the winds were against them.
ReplyDeleteHow many times has my Jesus stood on the shore watching me struggling against the winds at my oars? And no matter how many years one walks with Jesus-- there are still those times when we are straining against the wind that the evil one puts in our way. Those same winds can pop up in our lives at any time and I often think of Jesus standing on the shore watching and giving us those extra minutes to turn our eyes upon. Him!
Yes, Elsie.. and He never gives up on us.. He's always there to help. Yes, we will have storms... no doubt. But we can walk on water with Jesus by our side!
DeleteThank you! That is just what I needed to hear. It’s so easy to be concerned about the storm, when all along the One who calms the storm is right there with us! We don’t need to fear the roar of the storm, but rest in His peaceful presence.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Glad this helped you, Rebecca
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