The Struggle is Real

In the past few weeks, I’ve received some truly disturbing videos that have left me deeply troubled. These are videos of people sitting on the edge of a building, just waiting to take that final leap into the abyss. It’s a heartbreaking sight, and it’s a reminder that the struggles we face in this life can sometimes feel overwhelming.

I know that it’s not easy to see these kinds of videos, and I don’t encourage anyone to share or transmit them. The thought of a loved one being in that kind of situation is simply too much to bear. In the past, we might have only read about these kinds of tragedies in the newspaper the next morning. But with the advent of technology, we can now witness these events in real-time – a double-edged sword if ever there was one.

On the Other Side of Struggle

The reality is that this world is not an easy place to live. As Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) But the good news is that even in the midst of our struggles, there is hope – if we’re willing to look for it.

I’ve met people who have lived their entire lives on the “other side of blessing” – those who seem to be constantly mired in misery and hardship. Whether it’s financial troubles, relationship problems, or health issues, these individuals have faced an unrelenting barrage of challenges that would test the faith of even the strongest among us.

“Some of us always seem to be living on the other side of blessings and they continue to struggle to find footing in their life.”

And yet, even in the face of such adversity, there is hope. As the story in the Bible shows, Jesus did not turn away from those who were struggling, but instead sought them out and offered them the promise of salvation. In the same way, we must be willing to reach out to those who are living on the “other side of blessing” and offer them the hope that can only be found in Christ.

The Power of Jesus

One of the key lessons we can learn from the story of Jesus calming the storm is that he has the power to overcome even the most daunting of challenges. When the disciples were in the boat, facing a furious storm that threatened to capsize them, they turned to Jesus in a panic, wondering if he even cared about their plight.

“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38)

But Jesus, who had been sleeping peacefully, simply stood up and rebuked the wind and the waves, commanding them to be still. The disciples were awestruck, realizing that Jesus had power over even the forces of nature itself.

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:39)

This story is a powerful reminder that Jesus is not like the magicians and sorcerers of old, who could only perform limited feats of trickery. No, Jesus has dominion over all creation, and he is willing to use that power to help those who are struggling.

Crossing Over to the Other Side

But the story of Jesus calming the storm is not just about his power – it’s also about his purpose. Jesus deliberately led his disciples across the Sea of Galilee, knowing that he would encounter a man possessed by demons on the other side. This man, who had been living among the tombs, tormented by his affliction, was the very reason that Jesus had made the crossing.

“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him.” (Mark 5:1-2)

In the same way, Jesus is willing to cross over to the “other side” to seek out and save those who are lost and struggling. He doesn’t wait for them to come to him – he goes to them, offering the hope and healing that only he can provide.

A Challenge to Reach the Other Side

As followers of Christ, we have been called to continue this mission of reaching the lost and the hurting. Jesus commissioned his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and that same commission applies to us today.

It’s easy to get caught up in our own struggles and to forget that there are others out there who are facing even greater challenges. But if we’re willing to look beyond our own circumstances and reach out to those who are living on the “other side of blessing,” we can make a real difference in their lives.

So, I challenge you today: Where in your life are you holding back from reaching out to those who are struggling? How can you be a beacon of hope and healing to those who feel lost and alone? Remember, Jesus is with us, and he has the power to calm even the mightiest of storms.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)

My friends, the world may be a difficult place, but with Jesus by our side, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. Let us be bold in our faith, and let us be willing to cross over to the “other side” to bring the hope and healing that only he can provide. God bless you all.