Navigating Storms: The Assurance of God's Faithfulness
Mark 5:1a And they came over unto the other side….
The very fact that they made it to the other side testifies of God’s faithfulness. "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Th. 5:24). There is coming a day that you will be on the other side of your trouble. This side may be rough, dark, and cold, but just wait until you get on the other side! However, until you get there, there are some things we can learn from our reading today.
First, Jesus said in Mark 4:35, “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” I wish to point out three things; the commencement, the company, and the confidence which Christ exhibited. The commencement was “when the even was come”. Have you ever noticed that God often calls us into a season of transition in what seems to be the most awkward times? One would think that since it was evening, it would be a time of settling in for the day, but not for Jesus. If you will notice in your journey with God, His timing doesn’t always coincide with what is convenient to us. This is a faith-building strategy that God uses to teach us discernment and trust in His ultimate plan.
Secondly, notice the company in v. 36, “And there were also with him other little ships.” This tells me that we’re not alone. One of the things that helps us get through the night seasons is to know that we’re not alone in the journey, even though we may feel like we are at times. We should learn to draw strength from one another, rather than drawing back our hand of fellowship and isolating ourselves in our own personal problems. We need each other to survive. Let’s not make the mistake of abandoning all the other little ships, for we may need them as much as they need us! Furthermore, it is nice to know that you don’t have to be a big ship for Jesus to care!
Then, notice that Jesus was confident of the future success of this mission. Again, He said “let us pass over”. He would not have said so if He did not plan on making it to the other side! Friend, whatever God has spoken SHALL come to pass. Do not worry about the storms that come, for they are only to strengthen your faith in the Calmer of the storm! In the end, when you come out on the other side, you will be shouting the victory along with all the other little ships!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
The very fact that they made it to the other side testifies of God’s faithfulness. "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Th. 5:24). There is coming a day that you will be on the other side of your trouble. This side may be rough, dark, and cold, but just wait until you get on the other side! However, until you get there, there are some things we can learn from our reading today.
First, Jesus said in Mark 4:35, “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” I wish to point out three things; the commencement, the company, and the confidence which Christ exhibited. The commencement was “when the even was come”. Have you ever noticed that God often calls us into a season of transition in what seems to be the most awkward times? One would think that since it was evening, it would be a time of settling in for the day, but not for Jesus. If you will notice in your journey with God, His timing doesn’t always coincide with what is convenient to us. This is a faith-building strategy that God uses to teach us discernment and trust in His ultimate plan.
Secondly, notice the company in v. 36, “And there were also with him other little ships.” This tells me that we’re not alone. One of the things that helps us get through the night seasons is to know that we’re not alone in the journey, even though we may feel like we are at times. We should learn to draw strength from one another, rather than drawing back our hand of fellowship and isolating ourselves in our own personal problems. We need each other to survive. Let’s not make the mistake of abandoning all the other little ships, for we may need them as much as they need us! Furthermore, it is nice to know that you don’t have to be a big ship for Jesus to care!
Then, notice that Jesus was confident of the future success of this mission. Again, He said “let us pass over”. He would not have said so if He did not plan on making it to the other side! Friend, whatever God has spoken SHALL come to pass. Do not worry about the storms that come, for they are only to strengthen your faith in the Calmer of the storm! In the end, when you come out on the other side, you will be shouting the victory along with all the other little ships!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill