Have you ever been in a phase, a journey, or a season where you decided to follow God after being prompted by Him?

You made up your mind and started taking those steps to the place where you heard Abba God lead you. You started making goals and set time lines accordingly and was a good steward of everything in your hands by showing up each day with God’s grace. In time, you had covered some distance. You weren’t in the start anymore neither were you at the end of it, but you know it’s right there. Everything seemed so right. If not accurate, at least something along those lines. Maybe you had tried not to allow any of your shortcomings to be a hindrance for your progress. Even when things went wrong, you were courageous to humble yourself and start again with a changed outlook and pressed forward on the road that you’ve been  on.

But in spite of all of this, an unexpected storm-something you weren’t really prepared for- hits you off guard. Now all the timelines to your goals, and strategies to achieve them, seem to have fallen in a very uncertain place. Everything that seemed so certain, isn’t so anymore. You start focusing on that very obstacle or mountain before you and it seems too strong or too big. Our assurance, hope and response lies in seeing and learning a similar incident, an event in the lives of Jesus and his disciples in Matthew 14:22-36 (NASB)

Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary.

We learn from this story that the disciples also started their journey by hearing, obeying and responding to Jesus by getting on the boat to the other side. The story goes on to say in verse 24-25, that the boat was already a considerate distance from the land and was battered by the winds. And maybe many of us can relate, being in such a place. Just like the disciples, maybe you had started the journey a while back. Probably you were about to have placements happen after years of preparation, or about get that promotion, or get married, and yet suddenly, everything has been battered. Now you find yourself in an unpredictable storm that’s threatening your course.

Don’t lose hope. I want to assure you, friends, just as Jesus sent the disciples ahead on their journey but stayed and prayed at the mountain side, even today He is interceding for us seated at the right hand of Abba God (Romans 8:34). 

And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea.  When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear.  But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Just as Jesus went out to them walking on the lake just before dawn, so is He walking out to you just before a new season that surely is about to dawn in your life!  A new season is dawning in your life, He is not done with you. I prophesy in Jesus’ name that those storms, that were violently coming against you, will cease because the Prince of Peace who loves you, is with you and hasn’t forgotten you. He is right here, on time. When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.  And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”  

The word continues to say, in verse 34, that they not only crossed over, but also that everyone who touched his cloak was healed. You will get through, and after, the one’s on the other side will also be healed and encounter the truth of the great “I am” who has brought you thus far. The one’s on the other side need Jesus as well. The awesome part is He chooses your boat, He chooses you to get there, and He chooses to go with you. Just as the disciples recognized Jesus as truly the Son of God, you can recognize Him and His presence in the midst of it all. There is a new season dawning and you will reach where He has destined for you to reach. 

He is more real than anything.

God is not done with us,

He will finish what He started.

He loves you and is with you,

Hang in there, you are never alone.

We hope this brings life and hope to you. Please reach out to us if you are battling through something, need help or want to talk. We are here to hear and get you started on your journey with the One who goes before you and will be with you!

Our Guest author for the week is Eston D’souza, a devoted lover of Christ and valued member of our church in Manipal. Eston embraces his experiences, allowing them to be used for the glory of God, ministering the good news to all whom he encounters in this new life with Christ.