The image you shared presents a profound metaphor for the human experience: a lone boat tethered to the shore, facing the vast, misty expanse of the ocean. The caption challenges us to find the courage to untether that boat and cross the deep, for the "view on the other side"—our purpose, our growth, and our destiny—can only be reached by those willing to take the risk.
From a biblical perspective, this concept of "crossing over" is not just a motivational sentiment; it is a fundamental spiritual principle. To understand this deeply, we must explore what it means to move from the safety of the shore into the uncertainty of the deep, guided by faith rather than fear.
1. The Call to "Leave the Shore"
In the Bible, the "shore" often represents comfort, the known, and the status quo. However, God rarely calls His people to stay comfortable. He calls them to move.
When Jesus called His first disciples, they were in their boats, mending their nets by the shore. He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). To follow Him, they had to leave their boats, their father, and the security of their livelihoods.
Just like the boat in your image, if they had stayed tied to the dock, they would have remained safe, but they would have missed the "view on the other side"—which, for them, was the transformation of the world. Taking the risk to leave the shore is the first step of any divine journey.
2. The Nature of Biblical Courage
The image mentions that without courage, you cannot see the other side. In Scripture, courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that God’s promise is more real than the danger you face.
One of the most powerful commands regarding courage is found in Joshua 1:9:
> "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
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When Joshua was told to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, he was facing an "ocean" of his own—fortified cities, giants, and unknown territories. God didn't promise him that there would be no risks; He promised His presence. True biblical courage is the "risk" of trusting God when the water looks deep and the destination is invisible.
3. Crossing the "Ocean" of Faith
The ocean in your image represents the trials, the "middle" of the journey, and the unknown. In the Bible, crossing water is a recurring theme of transition and salvation.
* The Red Sea: The Israelites had to walk into the sea before it parted (Exodus 14). They had to risk the Egyptian army behind them and the wall of water on either side to reach the freedom of the other side.
* The Sea of Galilee: In Mark 4:35, Jesus says to His disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” During the crossing, a violent storm arose. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus was asleep on a cushion.
The lesson here is that the "view on the other side" is guaranteed by the One who called you to cross. The risk isn't in the storm; the risk is in forgetting who is in the boat with you. If Jesus says, "We are going to the other side," then a shipwreck is impossible, no matter how high the waves.
4. Reaching What’s Waiting Beyond
The caption says, "You’ll never reach what’s waiting beyond." In spiritual terms, "what’s waiting" is the Promised Land—the fulfillment of your calling.
The Bible speaks of a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1) who all took risks to reach what was beyond. Abraham left his country without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). Noah built an ark when there was no sign of rain. These people "crossed the ocean" of their own fears because they had "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
Biblical Principles for Taking the Risk:
| Principle | Scripture Reference | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Trust vs. Sight | 2 Corinthians 5:7 | We walk by faith, not by what we see (the mist on the water). |
| Divine Strength | Philippians 4:13 | You have the strength to row the boat because Christ strengthens you. |
| No Spirit of Fear | 2 Timothy 1:7 | Fear is not from God; power, love, and a sound mind are. |
| Commitment | Proverbs 16:3 | Commit your "crossing" to the Lord, and He will establish your plans. |
5. The Danger of Staying Tethered
The boat in the image is beautiful, but a boat's purpose is not to sit in the sand; it is to navigate the water. A life without risk is a life that never fulfills its design.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), the servant who was "afraid" and hid his talent in the ground was rebuked. He took no risk, and as a result, he reached nothing "beyond." He stayed on the shore of his own fear.
The Bible encourages us to be "bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1). When we take the risk to step out—whether that is starting a new career, mending a broken relationship, or following a spiritual calling—we are acting in the image of a God who is constantly moving and creating.
Conclusion: Untie the Rope
The "view on the other side" is a metaphor for your highest potential and God's ultimate plan for your life. It is the peace that passes understanding, the joy of a job well done, and the reward of faithfulness.
If you are standing on the shore today, looking at the "ocean" of a big decision or a daunting challenge, remember that the boat was made for the water. You were made for the journey. As you untie the rope and push off, you aren't just taking a risk—you are entering into a partnership with the Creator of the winds and the waves.
> "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you..." (Isaiah 43:2)
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The "other side" is waiting. Do you have the courage to start the crossing?
Dr Arnold Ayebdieye
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