Proclamation: “Let Us Go Over unto the Other Side!”

Matthew 14:22-33

I want to comfort you with the reality that Christ is interceding for you. During the storms of life, He will save you! When Jesus told His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side” they launched forth in their boat but did not realize that the winds would be boisterous and notoriously blowing against them. They had to pull down the sails and for hours had rowed in the dark to keep their boat from being swamped. Can you imagine the fear, fright, and anxiety they faced at the crack of dawn? They were rowing and getting nowhere.

Well, sometimes we feel like those disciples on the oars–pressing forward but getting nowhere fast. The “storms of life are raging,” the billows are rolling, your job is frustrating, your children are facing problems at school, unemployment, financial stress, divorce, death and grief, an accident or illness, depression, doubt in the living God, etc. Such are the storms that are presently blowing. Your daily struggles are tangible. I am sure you are in or have been in such a storm. You contemplate, does God care. He must be unaware. Perhaps, God does know about my storms, but He is distant and unsympathetic. He is not here! 

In the storms of doubt and unbelief, we often accept the drudgery and despair, and we fail to “look up to the hills where comes our help! Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” (Psalm 121:2).

But God! I challenge you to find and hold on to Christ’s outstretched hand in the storms of life. Just as Jesus immediately saved Peter as he cried out when he was afraid and sinking, He will instantly deliver you from distress when you cry out to Him, “Lord, save me!” Be assured that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father interceding on your behalf (See Hebrews 7:25). He knows your struggles inside out, and He cares deeply for you in your storm. He also perfectly understands God’s will and is praying for His will to be demonstrated in your storm!

Therefore, trust and worship Him amid your storm. Verse 33 stated, “And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God’.”

Remember, the command and promise were to “Meet Me (Jesus) on the other side!” He did not tell you what it would take to get there—that the winds would be boisterous. But He promised to meet you on the other side. Therefore, forget those disappointments and failures behind and press towards your future goal to the higher calling in Him (Christ Jesus). Look at the outcome. Look at your final position and destination–on the other side! God has raised you, and you are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Read Ephesians 2:6). I am not saying that we have it all together and have it made. But we are well on our way, reaching out for Christ who has so wondrously reached out for us. (Read Philippians 3: 12-14).

Friends, keep your eyes on the goal, where the Holy Spirit is beckoning you onward—to Jesus. Be off and running, and do not turn back! Keep focused on your goal! Friends move forward in Jesus’ mighty Name! Amen, and so be it!