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Matthew 14:19-24
Sometimes, when God says, go, we have a perfect image of what that experience or journey should look like. But, reality does not always match our ideal picture.
The bible records in Matthew 14:19-21, that Jesus had just fed about 5000 men, in addition to women and children, with only five loaves of bread and two fish. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus had just performed a miracle for which His disciples were present. Not only were they present, the disciples also participated in the process of the miracle by distributing the bread to the people.
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that His disciples get back (go) into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while He sent the people home. So, Jesus gave two clear instructions; to the disciples, he said, “go back into the boat,” and to the rest of the people, he said, “go home.”
However, Matthew 14:23-24 records that as Jesus went to the hills to pray and night fell, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. We are going to focus on three things. First, Jesus asked them to “go into the boat and cross over” (he gave the instruction to go). However, something that seemed contrary was happening, which is the second point, “strong winds arose,” and then, the third point, “they were fighting heavy waves.”
When God says go, we often assume that we are going to have a smooth ride because He gave the instruction. We have a picture of the process and the outcome, we do not expect any opposition or fight, and we hope to just sail smoothly. But the reality is often (not all the time), different from this picture-perfect scenario. The bible records that strong winds arose! Many times, we will face opposition to that great idea, and we will have to fight to stay focused and also fight for what we believe in.
So many times, we get discouraged at the fight. We might even be more discouraged because we just witnessed and participated in a miracle like the disciples did. We feel like if God said go, why do we still face opposition, and why do we have to fight for it. But how would you get to see what is on the other side if you do not fight?
The instruction to the disciples was clear, “get back (go) into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake.” So, do not stop mid-way because the wind is rising. Keep fighting, keep the faith, and stay close to Jesus because He is the only one who can calm the waves.
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Toluwalola 
Where ever He said go, so shall it be.The voice of God is great and it shall lead to a safe and blessed place. Keeping moving it shall be well with you always.
Amen, thank you.
Written so well. We just have to trust the process at all times, because He is the God of powerful miracles and He’s also the God who can send you into the sea and stop any storm that comes your way.
Thank you so much for your comment, Jennifer. We must indeed trust the process.
His ‘go’ doesn’t eliminate our fears and insecurities; it take the grace of intentionality (to exercise faith) on our part.
Oh, I certainly agree. Following the instruction in the first place as you have said, takes grace, being intentional, and our willingness to move or be obedient. Doing these things can be hard especially when we don’t understand. Also, the fact that you have an instruction does not eliminate all fears or insecurities. Sometimes, you even have more questions.
The idea is that usually, when we then move or go, we wish or imagine it to be a smooth process which sometimes, might not be the case. The outcome might also be different from what we imagined. (I like to use sometimes because it is not the same process for everyone).
The presence of the instruction does not take away the need for the process.
Thank you for reading. May God give us the grace we need today and always to walk by faith
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