In the fourth chapter of the gospel of Mark, we find an account of Jesus teaching a multitude of people along a seashore.  When He finishes teaching, He tells His disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35).  So, they sail to the other side of the sea only to encounter an unusual scene when they arrive.  They find a demon-possessed man who is wandering around a graveyard, crying out and cutting himself with stones.  This man is so uncontrollable that even chains and shackles could not hold him down.  However, when the man sees Jesus, he runs to worship Him, and Jesus commands the unclean spirit to leave the man’s body.  In an instant, he changes from a tormented, uncontrollable man to one found “sitting, clothed and in his right mind” (Mark 5:15).  The changed man then leaves to tell others what Jesus has done for him, and the community marvels at the work of the Lord.

We learn from this passage that when Jesus directs His people, He does so with reason and purpose.  When Jesus declared, “Let us cross over to the other side,” He wasn’t just wanting to go for a boat ride.  He knew who was on the other side, and He wanted to bring him the help he so desperately needed.  In the same way, when God directs our steps today, He still does so with reason and purpose.  His call on our lives is meant to connect us with people who need His help.  When He calls us to leave our comfort zones and launch out to “the other side,” He knows there are people on the other side who desperately need a touch from God.

I’m thankful to be a member of Grace Fellowship Church, and this weekend we celebrated the church’s 29th anniversary.  In January 1985, God called a small group of people in Union County, Kentucky to leave their comfort zones and start a new church ministry.  In the 29 years since, countless individuals and families have experienced the saving, healing, and comforting touch of God through the ministry of Grace Fellowship Church.  From the beginning, God knew such a vision would be fulfilled if that group of believers would just follow Him to “the other side.”  Thankfully, they answered “yes” to His call, and many of us are blessed today because of it!

This testimony demonstrates that the call of God cannot be taken lightly.  When He calls, there is a lot at stake for you and for the people He is calling you to minster to.  Our choice to answer Him or ignore Him holds great significance for years to come and even for eternity.  So, what is God leading you to do today?  Whatever it may be, just say “yes” to Him.  Answer His call and find out who is on that other side.  That person’s life (and yours) will never be the same!