Matthew 14:22-23 (NLT) Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Cross to the other side
Reading these words, cross to the other side, immediately grabbed my attention. Surely Jesus knew when He insisted the disciples go to the other side that there was a storm waiting for them. He surely knew about the hardships that they had to endure, but then Jesus made a profound statement, cross to the other side.
In insisting they get in the boat, He already knew that they would safely reach their destiny. I always make the statement that before you can enter into your promised land, you have to show your faith in the wilderness. This is precisely what happened here; before they could reach the other side, they had to endure the storm.
God is a God of progression. He always wants to take you to a higher level, but He needs to know that He can trust you; He needs to know that He can trust you with more; you need to show God that He can trust you. How? By trusting Him in the storm.
You need to trust God’s promises, irrespective of the hardships that you are going through. You have a promise: cross to the other side.
Genesis 28:15 (MEV) Remember, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.”
What a great promise! He promises not to leave you until He has done what He promised you.
Joshua 21:45 (ESV) Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.
God’s Word is trustworthy. His promises are true. What God says he will do, he will do.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV) For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
Today, take a leap of faith, and cross to the other side, knowing that in the crossing over, God is with you, no matter what happens to you.