Crossing Over to The Other Side

“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out.”

(Luke 8:22)

One morning, as I read my Bible, Jesus’ words in red struck me afresh. “Let us cross over to the other side of the Lake”. The rest of the story faded into the background as those words gripped my mind. Jesus’ intention was clear from the start, to cross over to the other side. The disciples obeyed, and launched out, but they had no idea of the storm that was going to confront them.

In the course of their journey, they experienced a storm. While the boat was being buffeted by the waves, Jesus was asleep, and the disciples couldn’t believe it. “Master, don’t you care that we are perishing”, they cried frantically! Mind you, these disciples had seen Jesus work miracles in the preceding verses of Luke 8. Why was the Master who worked miracles asleep when they needed one at this moment? At that time, they were in survival mode and all they could think was how do we get out of the storm?

Doesn’t that happen to us as well? We easily forget the miracles we have seen in the past when caught in the midst of  a storm. We can’t think past the situation we are in, much less think about where God is leading us. All we see is those waves and the water filling the boat.

But Jesus knew as He slept that there was an assignment awaiting them on the other side. He knew the storm was a distraction from their purpose, but the storm was under His authority. After He had gotten up and rebuked the storm, He turned to his disciples asking, “where is your faith?”

Now that was a good question for me that morning!

Jesus had said they were going to the other side. The presence of the storm did not mean His purpose or original intent was defeated. It only meant there was contention. There was a threat to the mission. But a threat does not spell the end. It only means we must press harder towards the end goal.

Jesus was saying, “we didn’t get into the boat to sink on the way, we got in this boat to get to the other side!”

That woke me up and jolted my faith.

 I had been asking God about a situation in my life and those red lettered words bore right into my soul and gave me a new perspective as God spoke to my heart;

“Where is your faith daughter? I said we are crossing over to the other side. Those winds don’t mean we won’t get there, the water in the boat is only proof of the battle against your assignment. Get up and speak faith. I have given you authority! And yes, my child, we will cross to the other side! Do you believe my word?”

Yes Lord, I believe Your Word! Help my unbelief!

Perhaps like me, Jesus is asking you; “where is your faith”?

Perhaps you were so excited about following God’s leading in a particular area of your life but now the boat is filling up with water, the waves are threatening to overcome you and you feel God is silent! Your heart’s cry is; “don’t you care that I am sinking Lord?”

Jesus is saying to you and I; “have confidence in me and in my power to get you over to the other side! My original intent, my purpose still stands despite what you see, feel or hear.

Yes, the storm is blowing!

Yes, the winds are howling!

Yes, it looks like the boat is sinking but hold onto My Word

What did I tell you?

We are crossing over to the other side!

And I am right here in the boat with you!”

Now, doesn’t that make you want to dance? Don’t focus on the storm, focus on getting to the other side. God never shares a detailed map of how He is taking us to the other side. He tells us to go, and He goes with us, even when He seems silent in the storm.

If this is for you, pray with me now;

“Lord it feels like I am sinking right now. But I am holding onto your word of assurance that you are taking me to the other side. I will not lose hope, I will not lose faith in you. I will rejoice in your goodness and praise Your name with all of my heart for You are in this with me and I know you have the power to take me over to the other side in Jesus name, Amen!”

The darkest night comes before the breaking of dawn. Don’t miss your daybreak blessing! Wait upon the Lord. God is able to bring you over to the other side. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning! Lift up a song of worship today and hallow the name of the Lord who rides with you even through the darkest of storms! His Name is Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our Banner!