Crossing Over 2 Series

CROSSING OVER 2

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41 - “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Introduction: All of us have had times in our lives when we look around and realize that there are things in our lives that we would rather leave behind. Now I

am not talking about people specifically, even though there may be people that we need to leave behind on our walk with God.

Thesis: All Christian need to “cross over” the past, trials, and pain.

Transition Statement: Last week we began this series on crossing over. Today and next Sunday, unless the Holy Spirit intervenes we will be back in this passage again. Today I want to take up the subject of trials. What would life be like without trials? I don’t know, and frankly I don’t want to find out!

I. CROSSING OVER

A. Remember last week I noted that Jesus commanded His followers to cross over.

1. Jesus says to them, “Lets go over..”

a.“Let’s” - It is the imperative form of the word.

b. Never a suggestion – always a command.

c. Jesus isn’t asking our opinion – He telling us His will.

2. So you and I don’t really have a choice.

a. We can sit in the midst of our troubles – playing the victim, or we can cross over

b. People do choose to sit in the midst of their stuff and suffer.

c. You cannot do anything for them until they choose to get up and move.

B. Trials are a normal part of life.

Job 5:7 – “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.”

1. Now get this picture – Jesus knew the storm was coming.

a. He is the God who knows all…….so this isn’t a surprise to Him.

2. So in essence – Jesus led them into the storm.

a. Doesn’t jive with our syrupy sweet idea of Christianity.

b. After all Jesus comes in and life just become idyllically peaceful.

1) NOT!

3. If Jesus is leading us into trials then there must be a reason.

a. God uses trials to “test us”

b. No trial (storm) is too big to get through with God.

C. Trials impact us for God

1. In trials we must choose 2 things.

a. Who or what will we trust?

b. What kind of sense we will make out of our struggles.

2. By the choices we make we are “tested/proved”

a. God already knows what’s in you.

b. Testing/proving is so that you can see it too.

c. God shows it to you so you can ask Him for help.

II. CROSSING OVER TRIALS

A. Know the (and live) the phrase “this to shall pass”

1. Everything changes

a. This is the only constant in life

b. Tomorrow will really bring a new day.

2. Persevere

a. Job’s trouble lasted 7 years

b. Don’t quit!

1) This is the worst thing you can do!

2) It is in fact short circuiting God’s plan for your life and:

3) It is giving in to the enemy!

c.Realize that Jesus is there with you the whole time.

1) There is no part of you r struggle He doesn’t see.

2) He said that He would never leave us, nor forsake us.

a) Forsake – He will never leave us to suffer when we ask for help.

b) He will never give up on us.

3. Keep moving forward.

a. You cannot get to the other shore by moving backwards.

b. Jesus did not take you out on to the lake to drop you.

c. He said – Let’s go over to the other side.

4. Patience

a. Be patient with your present circumstances.

1) Remember that a hasty decision will often bring more trouble

b. Be patient with those around you.

1) They really can’t fell what you feel.

2) We can’t expect them to fully understand what it feels like.

c. Be patient with yourself.

1) Walk forward knowing that God will act and He will act decisively.