The Other Side

In Mark 4:35-41 Jesus tells his disciples he wants to "go to the other side" What he meant was he wanted to cross the sea to get to another city for some more ministry. So they set sail. As the story goes quite a storm kicks in. Jesus is asleep and the disciples become terrified. They felt as though they were sinking. Quickly they awaken Jesus. They ask him if he even cares that they may about to drown. Jesus gets up and takes care of the situation by calming the storm. He then asks them why they were so fearful. Why they had no faith. They were awestruck at his power. They sail on. In verse 1 of chapter 5 it says "Then they came to the other side" They made it. Safe and sound. Another day to take on. Another day of ministry.

Sometimes we have to travel storms in this life to get to the other side. To experience something new or exciting. And often when we do we become just like the men in that boat. Fearful, anxious, low on our faith. We forget Jesus is right there with us and he is able to calm that storm and help us get through to the other side. Sometimes we may get a little bruised or beaten along the way but if we remain steadfast and faithful to him we will make it through just fine.

We need to take our eyes off the moment, the journey, and look ahead to the other side. Look ahead to the victory, the new chance, the new opportunity. So often we don't want to get in that boat to get to the other side because we fear the "weather report" which reads: "Storms are ahead if you try to go there" Don't worry about it. Let your captain take over and get you to the other side.

It's not so much about how you get to the other side, but rather that you just get to the other side. For in the journey is the growth. In the arrival is the victory.

So how about you? Afraid to jump in the boat? Like the safety of this shore? There's something to that. But there's also something on the other side. Something you will miss. Perhaps something he has for you. Or needs you to do or experience. Maybe it's time you took a trip with Jesus to "the other side".

Are you ready to hop in?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul