“Let us cross over to the other side.” Mark 4:35 NKJV
“The effect of any trial can be a new, unshakable conviction that God will do something amazing.”
My thoughts today are about “the journey.”
Life is a journey, but sometimes getting “from here to there” can be quite a challenge. When you start out, you never know for sure what you will face along the way; be prepared. Jesus had a powerful day of teaching; the large crowd was attentive. He told insightful stories about the Kingdom of God. When evening came, Jesus directed His disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side (of the lake).” Mark 4:35 NKJV. How apparently simple and straightforward their journey should be, or so it seemed.
The weather was compliant; the sea was familiar and calm. But then unexpectedly, everything changed dramatically. They encountered a storm of such consequence and peril that seasoned fishermen that they were, they feared for their lives. And all of that was when Jesus was in their boat. Know this; Jesus’ company does not assure you will have no problems. Jesus presence makes all the difference in the completion of your journey.
With all the ships that sank in storms on that sea at one time or another, their story would have a dissimilar end. The difference was not the courage, skills, or seasoned experience of sailors and fishermen on that frequently tempestuous sea; Jesus is the difference! Jesus commanded the storm, and calmed the disciples, “And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39-40 NKJV.
Ordinary days do not always remain ordinary. Familiar routines are occasionally disrupted by unforeseen emergencies. When your journey gets stormy, you need to listen for a word from God. Hearing is impaired when one’s heart panics. You know what you are saying; you know what circumstances seem to be suggesting. They saw the storm and projected their demise. That’s exactly when you need to hear what God is saying. In troubled and troubling times you need to hear a “word from God to walk in.” See Matthew 7:24-29 NIV.
Their fear made them forget what Jesus had said before the storm ever happened. God’s Word has not changed when your situation does. Remember, Jesus had said, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake!” The “other side” was not only their projected destination; the “other side” was factually their destiny! Your worst storm cannot change God’s intentions and promises. Jesus would not have spoken of “crossing over to the other side,” if the end of their journey was not safely on the other shore.
The journey can be overwhelming at times. It was for King David at times. Here’s what he learned; “When my heart is overwhelmed . . You have been a shelter for me . . from the enemy . . I will abide . . I will trust in the shelter . .” Psalm 61:3-4 NKJV. The Apostle Paul experienced such times, “. . burdened beyond measure, above strength so that we despaired of life . . that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” See 2 Corinthians 1:2-11 NKJV. The outcome of whatever you are experiencing is not your destruction; the effect of any trial is a new, unshakable conviction that your God will do the unthinkable and impossible. Read Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT.
My prayer for you today is that you walk in God’s peace until that displaces your panic.