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THE OTHER SIDE …

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Jul 26
  • 4 min read

Today’s Reading:

Psalm 85

Hosea 1:11–2:15

Luke 8 : 22–25


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The Sea of Galilee, the largest lake in that region even today, is known for sudden and violent storms, with waves sometimes reaching as high as 20 feet. So, the disciples’ fear during the storm in Luke 8:23 was not exaggerated. Many of them were experienced fishermen, well-acquainted with the sea, yet even they recognised the severity of the peril. Likewise, when we face the storms of life, it is easy to assume God has lost control and that we are at the mercy of chance or fate. But that is far from the truth. God is sovereign. He governs the history of the world as well as the intimate details of our personal lives. Just as Jesus calmed the raging sea, He can calm every storm in our lives. Looking at the phrase ‘the other side’ from a spiritual perspective, crossing over often means confronting environmental or territorial powers that seem to dominate that new ground. Spiritually speaking, you are invading territory, and the forces in control may resist. But as believers armed with Christ’s authority operating in his victory, we are more than conquerors. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness in high places.


In Luke 8 : 26–39, we see that Jesus crossed the lake into the Gentile region of the Gadarenes—part of the Decapolis, a group of self-governing Greek cities. Significant events happened ‘on the other side’:

  1. The miraculous healing of a demon-possessed man, setting free the lawful captive of the mighty and the terrible (Isa. 49 : 24–26).

  2. The destruction of a herd of swine—a livelihood lost. Though Jews considered pigs unclean and would not raise them, this act shows that one of Jesus’ core missions was to set captives free and break the chains of sin.


When you are crossing to the other side, ask yourself: Where is my faith? Whom is my gaze fixed upon? Your breakthrough, advancement, or healing may lie ‘on the other side’, but certain truths must anchor you:

  • You need to be born again. Surrender fully to the lordship of Christ. The disciples, though physically with Jesus, did not fully grasp who He was. A lack of trust in Christ can prevent us from recognising His leadership. His lordship was revealed when He calmed the storm and later exercised authority over demons.

  • You need boldness. Dangers lie beyond the familiar.

  • You need great faith. As Isaiah 43:2 reminds us, when we pass through waters and fire, God is with us. If your faith is rooted in circumstances, you will be disillusioned. If it is in material security, you may be disappointed. If it is in people, your hope may be dashed—because the hope of man is vain (Ps. 60 : 11–12). But if your faith is rooted in the living God, you will stand strong through danger and storm.

  • **You need to keep your faith in the right place** in our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

  • You need to be spiritually equipped. In Luke 9, Jesus equipped His disciples with power and authority and gave them instructions before sending them out to heal and proclaim the Gospel. So must we be equipped by the Holy Spirit.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.


Prayer:

  1. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

  2. For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.”

  3. Thank you, Lord, for speaking tenderly to me and for making my trouble a door of hope, expectation, and restored favour (Hosea 2:14,15).

  4. O God, I know that You will give what is good. Righteousness goes before You and will make Your footsteps into a way in which I can walk.

  5. Lord, as I climb spiritual and physical ladders to greater heights, may your Holy Spirit give me the wisdom, strength, might and knowledge I need, in Jesus’ name.

  6. Lord, I will sow with a view to righteousness and reap according to Your mercy and loving-kindness. I will break up the uncultivated ground in my heart, for it is time to seek You and search diligently for Your presence.

  7. Lord, thank You for crowning us with Your glory and honour; thank You for giving us dominion over the works of Your hands. You have put all things under his feet. May Your glory and honour upon my head not be drowned. May it not be tarnished, or exchanged by demonic trade by batter, in Jesus’ name.

  8. I exercise the dominion of God in Christ Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me, empower me and encourage me, in Jesus’ name.

  9. I cross over to my Promised Land. Holy Spirit, give me the boldness, empower me with all might, and give me the resources to trample upon serpent, scorpion and the power of giants, in Jesus’ name.

  10. O Lord, restore Your glory and honour upon the body of Christ, in Jesus’ name.

 
 
 

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