Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "The Other Side" for Wednesday, 9 July 2014 - Read Luke 8:22-25

Nashville, Tennessee, United States - The Upper Room Daily Devotional "The Other Side" for Wednesday, 9 July 2014 - Read Luke 8:22-24 One day he and his disciples got in a boat. “Let’s cross the lake,” he said. And off they went. It was smooth sailing, and he fell asleep. A terrific storm came up suddenly on the lake. Water poured in, and they were about to capsize. They woke Jesus: “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
Getting to his feet, he told the wind, “Silence!” and the waves, “Quiet down!” They did it. The lake became smooth as glass.
25 Then he said to his disciples, “Why can’t you trust me?”
They were in absolute awe, staggered and stammering, “Who is this, anyway? He calls out to the winds and sea, and they do what he tells them!”
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.”(Luke 8:22 (NIV))
Jesus asked his disciples to “go over to the other side” of the lake. The Sea of Galilee was subject to fierce winds and sudden violent storms that came without notice. Consequently, most boats would hug the shoreline so the crews could reach land quickly if a storm came up. The disciples were asked to take a risk; they were justifiably afraid. They might have refused to go. Nonetheless, they were willing to go over to the other side and get out of their comfort zone. Because they were willing to take a risk, we have this wonderful story of God’s miraculous intervention. Recently, our church was asked to take a risk and “go over to the other side.” We were asked to be part of a citywide group that provided shelter for the homeless. Some in our community grumbled; some were afraid of what might happen; but we decided to go over to the other side. The storm of controversy turned into a blessing as we participated in this ministry of hospitality. Following the example of the disciples, we can have courage to “go over to the other side” and be open to new ministries.
The Author: Mike Bertoglio (Washington, USA)
Thought for the Day: How can I venture out of my comfort zone to help others in the name of Christ?
Prayer: Dear Lord, we are thankful that in the midst of turmoil you have promised to be with us in the storm. Amen.

Prayer focus: Ministries to the homeless
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