How can we discern when to follow Jesus' call to move forward? Setting Matthew 8:18 in Context “When Jesus saw a crowd around Him, He gave orders to cross to the other side of the sea.” (Matthew 8:18) • The command is clear, concise, and immediate. • Jesus moves away from popularity to pursue purpose. • The disciples’ response is expected to be swift and trusting. Key Observations • Direction comes from the Lord, not from circumstances. • Obedience may require leaving what feels successful. • The “other side” is often a place of new ministry prepared in advance by God (see Matthew 8:28–34). Principles for Discerning the Call to Move Forward • Recognize the Shepherd’s voice: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) • Ensure the call aligns with Scripture: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23) • Trust the Lord more than personal reasoning: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Confirm that the move advances the gospel rather than personal comfort (Philippians 1:12). • Expect the Spirit to give a settled conviction rather than mere impulse (Romans 8:14). Practical Steps to Confirm the Timing 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture and prayer until God’s peace rules (Philippians 4:6-7). 2. Invite mature counsel: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) 3. Pay attention to providential openings or closed doors, as in Paul’s Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9-10). 4. Evaluate whether the opportunity requires faith: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7). 5. Move once obedience is clear, even if details are not: “By faith Abraham…obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8) Biblical Snapshots of Obedient Forward Movement • Abraham leaves Ur (Genesis 12:1-4). • Israel steps into the Jordan before it parts (Joshua 3:13-17). • Peter steps onto the water at Jesus’ word (Matthew 14:28-29). • Paul redirects to Macedonia (Acts 16:10). • The early church scatters under persecution yet spreads the word (Acts 8:1-4). Common Roadblocks and Scriptural Remedies • Fear of the unknown—“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) • Attachment to comfort—“Foxes have dens… but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (Luke 9:57-58) • Human logic overruling faith—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2) • Spiritual opposition—“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Encouragement for Today When the Lord signals it is time to cross to the “other side,” His word, His Spirit, and His providence harmonize. Anchor every decision in the unchanging truth of Scripture, listen attentively, and take the next obedient step. The same Jesus who commands the move also calms the storms that lie between here and there. |
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