Thursday, July 21, 2011

The Other Side

I opened my Bible this morning and turned to the passage for today's devotional, but instead my eyes fell on these verses . . . and not "by accident," I'm sure!

23And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

25And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

26And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

27But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

28And when he was come to the other side. . .

Matthew 8:23-28b (KJV)

We can be sure we'll get to the "other side" if Jesus is in the boat with us. No matter how violent the storm. No matter how terrified we may be . . . and even when it seems that He's asleep or unconcerned. Sometimes we have no idea where the other side is. But if He says, "Let's go to the other side," as is recorded in Luke 8:22, in His time we'll step out of the boat and onto the shore. Not just sometimes . . . but every time.

And one day, after we've safely crossed our last storm-tossed lake, we'll be Home - on the other side!!

This old song that we sang in years past comes to my mind:

Master, the tempest is raging; the billows are tossing high.
The sky is o'er shadowed with blackness; no shelter or help is nigh.
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threatening
a grave in the angry deep?

Chorus:
The winds and the waves shall obey my will.
Peace be still; peace be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea
or demons, or men, or whatever it be.
No water can swallow the ship where lies
the Master of ocean and earth and skies.
They shall sweetly obey my will.
Peace be still, peace be still.
They all shall sweetly obey my will.
Peace, peace be still.

Master, the terror is over, the elements sweetly rest.
Earth's sun in the calm lake is mirrored, and heaven's within my breast.
Linger, O blessed Redeemer; leave me alone no more.
And with joy I shall make the blest harbor
and rest on the blissful shore.
~Mary Baker~


11 comments:

Mari said...

Glenda - this is a wonderful word for today. My hubby and I were just talking about something similar this morning. We have been praying for a good job for our daughter, and both of us appear to be getting "ahead of God". We both were reminded to wait for God, he has always taken care of us and will continue to do so, we just need to trust. And yes, He will take us safely to the other side!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Amen!

Dorothy said...

Beautiful and true! I remember that old hymn, Peace Be Still". I had not heard it in a long time so I enjoyed reading the words again.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great message Glenda and great old hymn... YES---we need to stay on the boat with Jesus!!!!
Hugs,
Betsy

Southern Lady said...

Beautiful post, Glenda! I needed this reminder. I know that you did not read it by accident. It was meant to be shared. Thank you for being so obedient to God's leading today. Carla

Anonymous said...

What beautiful lyrics. Thank you Glenda for sharing. Blessings to you this weekend.

S. Etole said...

In the midst of the storms and in peace ... always He is there.

Beautiful photo and header.

Nancy said...

Beautiful thoughts, Glenda...and now I can just hear the Friendship choir singing, "Master the Tempest Is Raging," with Aunt Annie and Aunt Doris echoing the "Peace, be still," on the chorus. Thanks for the encouraging words for today as well as the sweet memories you brought back with this post!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

A good reminder always. Whatever storm is happenng in our lives, we are never alone. I'm back after a vacation down south and it seems we brought the heat back up north with us. Hope you are enjoying your summer.

Beth said...

I know I would go to church every Sunday if I could see and visit with you! You have such faith and you tell it in an easy to understand manner. When you use an analogy, it's right on! Bless you.

I read awhile back the one when Jesus walked on the water to them in Mark 6:47 - 52.
What struck me was that "they were astonished exceedingly." They had just witnessed the miracle of the five loaves of bread and two fish! They had witnessed a huge and awesome miracle yet as soon as they got into trouble out on the sea, they were afraid and even afraid of Jesus walking toward them! I love the part where Jesus said, " Take heart! I AM!"

I know I witness God's work in my life then turn around and forget that He is the I AM! and worry and fret about something else. I'm working on that.

Sharon Lynne said...

That was a lovely post. Just what I needed last week. But I can apply it because I'm sure another storm is coming! And now I'm reminded that I'll make it to the other side.

That's a very nice hymn.