Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."Mark 4:35

When you walk with Jesus, you're going to move. Don't expect to stay in the same place, spiritually. Why? He wants to lead you to a place where you'll continue to grow and be nurtured. Not only does Jesus stay with you through life; He also promises that He'll take you to the other side.

You see, every barrier has two sides. To every fear you harbor, every doubt you hide, every trial you encounter, there is another side. On the other side of fear is love, since "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). On the other side of doubt is faith -- faith that can move mountains (Matthew 21:21). And on the other side of every heartache you experience is hope -- "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven" (Colossians 1:5). But just as we can't see the other side of a wall unless we move around it, so we will never see the other side of a spiritual barrier unless we move.

You know, it's painful to acknowledge fears, doubts, struggles, and heartaches. It's not easy to admit failures and acknowledge defeats. But unless we acknowledge a barrier, we have no hope of moving past it. Today, if there are barriers blocking your spiritual growth, Jesus wants to take you to the other side.

Life isn't a treadmill or a hamster wheel; Jesus is working all things out, moving with you to accomplish what He wants in your life. He doesn't want to see you stuck in the same place spiritually, so He is taking you further along. He loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life. Be willing not only to go with Him but to enjoy the journey to the other side that He has planned for you. And when you feel like you're stuck in a rut, keep this verse close to your heart.

Visit Mike's Church Website:  Horizon Christian Fellowship (San Diego)