Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seemed as if it your circumstances were about to consume you? Recently, I received some very unsettling news that shook me at my very core. Trying to fight off feelings of rising panic, I began to pace around my home. I kept saying out loud, “Lord I trust You” over and over again, until all of a sudden, I heard the words, “Let us go over to the other side.” Startled by the words at first, it dawned on me it was God assuring me of His presence and that I would make it through the storm in spite of overwhelming circumstances. The account of the disciples’ encounter with a storm with Jesus in the boat came to mind.
In Mark 4:35 Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over to the other side.” Jesus didn’t mention the storm they would encounter following His instructions. There were seasoned fisherman on the boat who had experienced many storms. However, they had never been through a storm like this before. Matthew 8:24 refers to the storm as a tempest. A tempest is a violent windstorm. It was a storm designed to blow the disciples off course from their purpose and destiny.
The disciples found themselves in the midst of a crisis in Mark 4:35-38 that set them in a state of panic. Although Jesus was on the boat with them, they acted as though He was nowhere around. The men allowed their circumstances to devour the promise Jesus gave them at the outset of their journey when He said, “Let us pass over to the other side.” By no means did Jesus send the storm. However, unbeknownst to the disciples, they were in the midst of a two-fold test.
The first test was meant to reveal what type of ground they were. Earlier in Mark Chapter 4 Jesus taught them about the parable of the sower and different types of ground (Mark 4:1-20). Like the stony ground in Mark 4:16-17, the disciples allowed wind and waves to wash away Jesus’ earlier word of assurance. Jesus’ reference to the “other side” indicated they would make it through. Adversity caused them to forget the word. The second test was to determine their level of trust in Jesus. Given the fierce nature of the storm, the disciples’ boat should have sunk. However, with Jesus on board their safe passage was guaranteed.
It was always God’s will for the disciples to make it through the storm. The same holds true for you and me. All of us will encounter storms of varying durations and intensities during our Christian walk. Although COVID-19 caught us by surprise, it was no surprise, nor a deterrent to God’s plans and purpose for our lives. As devastating and extensive as the coronavirus pandemic is, Jesus is in full command of this storm.
While you will experience effects of the COVID-19 storm, the Savior of your soul is not about to allow you to drown in your circumstances. God upholds all things, including you, by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). The same word Jesus spoke, “Let us pass over to the other side,” applies just much to you and me today as it did when He spoke it to His disciples. God didn’t send the storm called COVID-19. However, God will use the storm to birth you into a new dimension of faith and trust in Him. The storm serves as a catalyst to propel you to God’s appointed destination for your life.
Fill up on and hold fast to God’s Word during this season. Seek His purpose and plans for your life. Trust Jesus to navigate you through the challenges you face. I admit it’s easy to lose sight of Jesus when trouble comes knocking at your door. Look to the Lord for help. He’s in the storm with you even when you can’t see or feel Him. Jesus is your anchor of hope. He’ll keep you grounded when adversity seeks to blow you off course. You’re going to make it through to the other side of this storm. Always remember…you were created to outlast your storm!
I would love to hear from you. Let me know how you’re doing. Until next time…Be blessed!
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
Rhema4U 
Leave a Reply