And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. ( Mark 4:35 )
The Lord has impressed me to talk on the subject concerning going to the other side. As you read Mark 4:35-40, Jesus was with his disciples on the ship. He told them to go to the other side because he was supposed to continue his ministry on another place.
As they sailed, A great storm met them. The disciples panicked, but what did Jesus do? He was asleep on the ship. I have watched a documentary called the Deadliest Catch. It shows ships fishing for crab on the Bering Sea and how they struggle against storms and blizzards. Sometimes, the water would seep in and start to get the ship flooded.
Imagine being on the ship with Jesus, and it starts rocking by the waves and winds. Soon, the ship starts to get flooded. Your reasoning would say—Let’s get out of here and head back to shore. The disciples panicked and woke up Jesus. Jesus was not afraid. Why?
He gave out the word–Let us go to the other side. His word had power and in spite of the circumstances, they would arrive at the other side. There was one thing that needed to be dealt with and it was fear. When you have fear, it will short circuit your faith and lead to disaster.
We know the end of the story. Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and there was a great calm. Afterwards, Jesus rebuked his disciples for their fears–Why? Again, he had given the word to go to the other side. After the winds calmed down, Jesus went with his disciples to fulfill his ministry on the other side. ( Mark 5)
Learn To Receive His Word.
Another example was the centurion who had his servant sick. Let’s look at the verse below-
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. ( Matt 8:8 ).
Do you see something interesting here? The Centurion asked and received the word of healing that was sent to heal his servant? Ps 107:20 says that he sent his word and healed them. Jesus was impressed and rebuked his people for not having the faith of this centurion. Jesus called this act–Great faith!
I recognize that it is hard to develop faith. The major cause is that our minds need to be renewed. Sometimes, unbelievers are quick to receive miracles and Christians have a hard time due to unbelief, religion and traditions. This centurion had no covenant with God like the Jews but he believe in the word of deliverance.
We are conditioned to believe that if it comes to pass, it’s God’s will but if it’s not, It was not God’s will. Just because your prayers got hindered does not mean that is not God’s will to heal you. The disciples could have turned back from their destination and say–Oh, well, it’s not God’s will. Meanwhile, the Madman of Gadara would have remained demon possessed, tormenting the inhabitants of that land.( Mark 5)
Beloved, I know that there are times in which God will change circumstances to protect us. I’m sure we have heard stories in which many were spared getting in an airplane that crashed. I’m convinced that people who spend their time praying in tongues have probably stood in the gap and protected those people from danger.
The other side of the coin is that God wants us to know his will. When you spend your time renewing your mind, it will get you to the point where you will know God’s perfect will for your life. Then, when circumstances that contradict the word come, you can be at peace and believe God to get you to the other side.
What’s on the other side? Deliverance from the flesh, getting healing, and financial provision to name a few. The Holy Spirit revealed to Jesus ahead of time of his ministry to the Madman of Gadara. Beloved, the Holy Spirit wants to show you your future. He wants to help you fulfill your calling. I will finish this study with Rom 12: 2. Now is the time to renew your mind like never before. Your future depends on it.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ( Rom 12:2 )
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