"On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, ‘Let us cross over to the other side.' 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, ‘Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, ‘Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' " (Mark 4:35-40 NKJV)

Jesus told His disciples they were going to the "other side." Regardless of what was going to be encountered between here and the other side, they were going to be on the other side. The disciples failed to connect what Jesus said about the "other side" with what they were experiencing concerning the storm on the sea. The Lord has directed us in this way or that according to His will. We have joined Him by faith - believing He is going to do what He said with us or through us in ministry. But, the winds and waves have kicked up. The going is tough. The crises of the immediate scream at us, "You're not going to make it to the other side. You're on your own." Fear and doubt replace the once clear faith with which we moved forward.

Christ-followers need to connect "trust in God" with what God said to do in order that they can overcome the obstacles which will be encountered along the way. Are you connecting God's Word to you with the circumstances you're facing? Are you trusting God to indeed accomplish what He said to you? What "wind" are you facing? What "waves" are filling your boat? Remember to connect the "other side" with the "wind" and the "waves" so that you can obey God in faith.

Spiritual Leadership Concepts

• Spiritual leaders are to live by faith in what God has said.
• Christ-followers need to connect "trust in God" with what God said to do in order that they can overcome the obstacles which will be encountered along the way.