Like Joe; a friend of mine would say “it’s always greener on the other side” just as we always expect but then we don’t know what to expect as there are unforeseen circumstances there, we may prepare quite alright but there would still be some things that would shock us when we get there. Our expectations may be in two forms either it beats our imagination or less, either way we must experience something. There are times we are like we’ve out grow one stage and feel we deserve better, a change must occur and we take a journey to the other side of our life, a place where everything would take good shape and conform well, a place we have imagined or even dreamt of, a place with comfort, a place where the struggles are even fun; Howbeit, knowing that it could only get better but not any easier. In this piece, an example would be drawn from the Holy Bible (KJV) – story of Jesus and his Disciples.

 

After He finished talking with the multitude, Jesus said to his disciples ‘Let us pass over to the other side” Mark 4:35. In this case they had work to do not that they were going to a place of comfort, however there are a lot of lesson to draw (which may not be exhaustive here) from what they experienced as they journey to the other side. In our individual lives, as concerned we have a definition of what we refer to as the other side going by our present situation and what we want or anticipate. There is always a place called the other side, it could be something we rather experience, a place we rather be, where we feel things would be much better off and probably less stressful. A place of solace, happiness and joy, a place where we will be more relaxed and bother less about our problems, a place we ought to be – the other side. On a contrary, we don’t know in total what is waiting for us there; we could get there and get more happiness or get more troubles, it could be better or even worse than where we have been. Our preparations may be adequate or insufficient; nonetheless we believe the other side, what we have not experienced would be better and so set off, hoping for the best as usual and believe things would work out itself. Sure!

 

This may be the driving force behind our daily activities, why we move from one job to another, why we want to travel abroad or relocate, why you want this lady or that man in particular for a life partner, our greed may be a stimulant, but then we are on the move regardless. It is not enough to know that we are going; how to get there and what you would do there matters. What are your plans to get there, what virtues are you taking with you, what preparations have you made for the unexpected that might be encountered? As they journey, Jesus and his disciples enter a ship and were on the move. As you may know the story, there arose a great storm; meanwhile Jesus was at the hinder part of the ship asleep. The disciples got scared and worried like it’s the end for them. They forgot they were on board with the greatest, they forgot all they were taught and the powers of the one that was with them.

 

Situations comes in our lives on a daily basis and even as we journey to the other side, things get hard and we get worried to the extent of wishing the journey was never embarked upon in the first place, but as we should have known it doesn’t get any easier. We may forget the mark of the one we bear, forgetting our virtues, principles and values feeling like we are alone and can’t go on. But there is good news in this story as illustrated. They were worried and went to wake Him (Jesus) asking ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish?’ Jesus rose to the occasion as the master of situations, he rebuked the wind and said unto the sea ‘Peace, be still’ and the wind ceased and there was a great calm. In verse 40 of Mark chapter 4, Jesus wondered, he couldn’t imagine it and asked “why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

 

Whoa! What a question, ‘How is it that you have no faith?’ When faced with situations that seem bigger than you, what do you do? There is no prescribed pattern to follow to solve problems as we encounter different things, however, there is a great assurance in our faith in Christ; see those situation as an opportunity to exercise your faith, virtues of patience and hope. This is a course to put in action what we believe, taught and heard overtime. On our journey we should equip ourselves with weapons: weapon of faith, hope, patience and believe in God. It is written that “we shall have tribulation in this world but should be of good cheer – not be afraid for I (our God) has overcome the world – John 16:33 (paraphrased). What a relief to know that in God we have a sure cover, we were not promised a smooth ride here on earth, but an assurance that gives hope, that keeps us moving. Put your cares in Christ for he knows what you are going through, don’t feel rejected or abandoned like He care-less; exercise your faith no matter how small. Be steadfast in your belief in Christ and glory in tribulation because your expectations are great after each trials and they leave you better off for tomorrows sake, they make you fit for the issues of life. We may get disappointed if we expect the road to be smooth all the way, instead know that Christ is on board with you as you journey in life and he will see you through just as he saw his disciples through, he has never left anyone that called upon him unaided and you would not be the first. Don’t journey without him!

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Imagine how it would have been for those disciples if Jesus was not on board with them.

 

 

Random Posts