Wisdom to Cross Over: Faith and Transformation in Transition

As we approach the end of the year, we find ourselves in a critical season—a time of transition, decision, and preparation for what lies ahead. The stories from Mark 4 and Matthew 14 remind us that crossing over to the “other side” is not just about physical movement, but about spiritual transformation. Jesus’ invitation to the disciples to cross over was not merely a suggestion, but a declaration of destiny, a call to move from fear to faith, from uncertainty to trust, and from chaos to calm.

In these final days of the year, every decision, every action, and every commitment counts. The pressure of the season—financial, social, and spiritual—can tempt us to compromise our values, our faith, and our future. We are often lured into spending without thought for tomorrow, or into behaviors that do not honor God, simply because the mood of the season has changed. Yet, wisdom calls us to remember that the choices we make now will shape our entry into the new year. We must not allow temporary pressures to cause permanent setbacks.

The storms faced by the disciples mirror the storms in our own lives—illness, financial strain, business challenges, and personal doubts. These storms test our faith and reveal where our trust truly lies. Jesus’ presence in the storm, whether silent or speaking, is a profound reminder that God’s silence is not His absence. He is always near, inviting us to journey with Him, to cross over not alone, but together.

Crossing over requires more than just endurance; it demands wisdom, faith, and a willingness to move beyond comfort and routine. It is a call to examine our lives, to review our plans, and to align our focus with God’s purpose. The comfort of the familiar may feel safe, but it can also limit us. The miracle, the breakthrough, and the growth are found in the deep, on the other side of the storm.

Obedience to God’s call does not guarantee a storm-free journey, but it does guarantee His presence and authority in the midst of it. Our willingness to step out, to trust, and to move with God is not just for our own benefit, but for the freedom and blessing of those connected to us. As we finish this year and prepare for the next, let us embrace the wisdom to cross over—leaving behind what hinders us, moving forward with faith, and partnering with God for a new season of purpose and revelation.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Crossing Over Requires Intentional Wisdom Crossing over into a new season is not automatic; it demands deliberate choices and discernment. Wisdom is not just knowledge, but the courage to act rightly under pressure, especially when the world urges compromise. The decisions made in this “crunch time” will shape not only our own future, but also the lives of those who depend on us. [08:11]
• 2. God’s Presence in the Storm is Transformative The storms of life are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for our faith to be stretched and reshaped. Jesus’ presence—whether He is silent or speaking—reminds us that God is never absent, even when we feel overwhelmed. Trusting His word and presence brings peace and transformation, even before the storm is calmed. [19:24]
• 3. Obedience Unlocks Destiny and Blessing Obedience to God’s call to “cross over” is not just about personal breakthrough; it is tied to the freedom and blessing of others. Our willingness to move forward, even when it is uncomfortable, positions us and those connected to us for God’s greater purpose. The journey may be resisted by storms, but obedience ensures we are not alone and that God’s authority is with us. [36:38]
• 4. Comfort Can Be the Enemy of Growth Remaining in familiar, comfortable places may feel safe, but it can hinder the miracles and breakthroughs God has prepared for us. True growth and revelation are found when we are willing to leave the “shore” and step into the unknown with Jesus. The other side holds our destiny, but it requires faith to move beyond routine and religion into genuine relationship and purpose.
  
  ** [42:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:03] - Reading from Mark 4
• [02:40] - Reading from Matthew 14
• [06:29] - The Urgency of Year-End Decisions
• [08:11] - Crunch Time: Decisions That Define
• [10:21] - The Pressure and Temptation of the Season
• [12:29] - Compromising Values in Difficult Times
• [16:02] - The Meaning of Crossover
• [19:24] - Trusting God’s Word in the Storm
• [22:06] - Whose Voice Are You Listening To?
• [24:57] - From Fear to Faith: Spiritual Transition
• [28:19] - The Invitation to Journey with Jesus
• [30:27] - Keeping Focus on Jesus
• [32:17] - Reviewing and Realigning for the New Season
• [36:38] - Obedience and the Blessing of Others
• [42:25] - Moving Beyond Comfort and Routine
• [45:24] - A Leap of Faith for 2026
• [46:16] - Closing and Final Encouragement

Bible Reading

Mark 4:35-41 (ESV) —
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

- Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV)

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Observation Questions

1. In both Mark 4 and Matthew 14, what specific instructions did Jesus give to the disciples before the storm began?
2. How did the disciples react to the storms in each story, and what did they say to Jesus?
3. What was Jesus doing during the storm in Mark 4, and how did he respond when the disciples woke him? [01:46]
4. In Matthew 14, what happened when Peter took his eyes off Jesus while walking on the water? [04:52]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus invited the disciples to “cross over to the other side” instead of letting them stay where they were? What does this say about God’s purpose for us? [25:39]
2. The sermon mentions that “God’s silence is not His absence.” How does this truth challenge the way we interpret difficult or stormy seasons in our lives? [26:08]
3. According to the sermon, what is the difference between simply enduring a storm and crossing over with wisdom and faith? [31:26]
4. The preacher said that obedience to God’s call is not just for our benefit, but for the blessing and freedom of others. How does this perspective change the way we view our decisions and actions? [36:38]

Application Questions

1. The end of the year is described as “crunch time,” where every decision and action counts. Are there any specific decisions or habits you are tempted to compromise on because of the pressure of the season? How can you choose wisdom instead? [08:11]
2. The sermon warns against spending without thinking about tomorrow, especially during the festive season. What is one practical step you can take to avoid financial or spiritual compromise in this season? [10:21]
3. Think about a “storm” you are currently facing (illness, finances, doubts, etc.). How can you remind yourself of Jesus’ presence, even if He seems silent right now? [19:24]
4. The preacher said, “Comfort can be the enemy of growth.” Is there an area in your life where you are choosing comfort over stepping out in faith? What would it look like to leave the “shore” and trust God for something new? [42:25]
5. The sermon encourages us to review our plans and realign our focus with God’s purpose as we approach the new year. What is one area of your life (work, family, spiritual life) that you need to review and possibly realign? [32:17]
6. Obedience to God’s call can impact not just you, but those connected to you. Who in your life might be affected by your willingness (or unwillingness) to “cross over” into a new season with God? [36:38]
7. The preacher challenged us to move beyond routine and religion into genuine relationship and purpose. What is one way you can make your relationship with God less about routine and more about real connection in the coming year? [43:30]