So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). Mark 4:36 (NLT)
Jesus and His disciples had to leave the multitude and push through a storm to continue fulfilling God’s plans for them. Sometimes we have to do the same.But for many people, when storms begin to blow in their Christian walk, they feel tempted to row back to familiar shores. It might be alcohol, toxic friends or the same old spending habits.
It takes courage to put your face into the wind and say, “I’m pushing off from shore, away from the crowd and my comfort zone, and I’m following my destiny anyway.” For example, I’ve spoken to people who have told me how their decision to follow Christ cost them family relationships or friends.
God’s directions over the years have consistently challenged me to move beyond the familiar to sometimes difficult ground. I had no previous experience growing a large church or figuring out unconventional ways to hold church through a pandemic. It can be tough to be out front as a leader, because whenever you leave the crowd to follow the new directions God wants you to go, you will frequently draw gossip or criticism.
It’s easy to stay with the status quo or fall back on what’s familiar and safe. But when God says, “I have a destiny planned for you. You have to cross the lake to accomplish what I’ve called you to do,” there are times you’ll have to leave the multitude.
Not everyone will understand your destiny, and that’s okay. God does, and His direction matters most.