Scripture Reading: Joshua 3:1-17 (NKJV)

Key Verse: “As soon as the soles of the feet of the priests… shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters… shall stand as a heap.” (Joshua 3:13)

Life often brings us to rivers we feel unequipped to cross. In Joshua 3, we find the children of Israel at the Jordan River, preparing to step into their Promised Land. The river was not just a physical obstacle; it was a test of faith, trust, and obedience. The story invites us to reflect on our own lives and the moments when God calls us to take steps of faith into the unknown.

Preparation for God’s Wonders

Before Israel could witness the miraculous, they were commanded to prepare themselves. Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5). Sanctification meant spiritual alignment—setting themselves apart, seeking God, and being ready to walk in His will. It was a call to introspection and holiness, reminding us that preparation often precedes revelation.

Reflection: How do you prepare for God to work in your life? Are you seeking His guidance, confessing sin, and aligning your heart with His will? Sanctification is the first step toward experiencing the supernatural.

God’s Power in the Unknown

The Israelites were stepping into uncharted territory. The officers told them, “You have not passed this way before” (Joshua 3:4). The Jordan River was at flood stage, overflowing its banks. It was a daunting and dangerous obstacle, yet God’s instruction was clear: follow the ark of the covenant and step into the water.

This moment required radical faith. The priests carrying the ark had to step into the river before it parted. It wasn’t until their feet touched the water that God caused the river to stop flowing, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. Faith required action, and the miracle came after obedience.

Reflection: What is God asking you to step into that feels uncertain or overwhelming? Trusting God means moving forward even when the path seems impossible.

Personal Testimony: From Brokenness to Purpose

Before stepping into my current role as pastor, I went through a season of brokenness. I took 40 days off from ministry, visited other churches, and even spent a week in a mental health facility. I was empty, overworked, and full of worry, anxiety, and fear. Threats had been made against my life, and I felt completely alone. My adrenal glands were spent, and I had reached the end of myself.

During that dark time, two men—Roger Finley and Shane Fite—showed up at my house. They were not yet deacons, but they ministered to me in ways I desperately needed. At the time, I thought God was preparing me to continue leading the church I was at. Instead, He was preparing me for a different field, a new pasture to shepherd.

Looking back, I see that while I was in a season of worry, God was working. While I was praying for one thing, God was preparing something greater that I couldn’t see yet. Sometimes the answer to our prayers is just a few miles or a few months away. We may feel alone in the moment, but God’s sovereignty assures us that He is always up to something.

Reflection: Have you ever looked back on a difficult season and realized God was working in ways you couldn’t see? Trust that He is preparing you for His promises, even in the waiting.

From Preparation to Power

Sanctification leads to experiencing God’s power. When the priests stepped into the Jordan River, carrying the ark of the covenant, the waters stood still and rose in a heap. The miracle was in their obedience and faith. They had to trust that God would act even before they saw the results.

This story reminds us of other moments in Scripture where faith and obedience unleashed God’s power:

The Red Sea: When Moses stretched out his staff, God parted the waters, allowing Israel to escape Pharaoh’s army (Exodus 14). God’s power not only provided a way through but also destroyed the enemy.

The Fiery Furnace: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, even under the threat of death. God’s power was revealed when a fourth man appeared in the fire, protecting them (Daniel 3).

Mount Carmel: Elijah called on God to demonstrate His power. Fire from heaven consumed the sacrifice, the altar, and the water around it, proving that the Lord is God (1 Kings 18).

Reflection: When have you seen God’s power in your life after taking a step of faith? How can you posture your heart to trust Him more?

God’s Sovereignty in the Impossible

Sometimes faith requires stepping into something that looks foolish or impossible. The Jordan River was overflowing, but the priests’ obedience demonstrated their trust in God’s promise. It’s a reminder that God’s ways often defy human logic.

In my own ministry, there have been moments where obedience seemed irrational. Praying for healing, trusting God for financial provision, or believing for breakthroughs—these acts of faith sometimes looked foolish to others. Yet time and again, God proved faithful. When we step into the unknown, we make room for God to demonstrate His sovereignty.

Reflection: Are you willing to look foolish for the sake of obedience? What rivers in your life need crossing, and how can you trust God to make a way?

The Promise of God’s Presence

The ark of the covenant symbolized God’s presence among His people. The Israelites were instructed to keep a distance of about 2,000 cubits (approximately half a mile) as they followed it. This distance signified reverence and reminded them that God was leading the way.

As believers, we have the assurance of God’s presence through the Holy Spirit. He goes before us, fights for us, and guides us. Just as the Israelites trusted God to part the Jordan River, we can trust Him to lead us through our challenges.

Reflection: How does the knowledge of God’s presence bring you comfort and courage? Are you following His lead in your daily life?

Stepping Forward in Faith

The miracle at the Jordan River happened because the priests and the people stepped out in faith. The waters didn’t part until their feet touched the river. Faith often requires action before results.

What steps of faith is God calling you to take? Whether it’s a new ministry, a difficult conversation, or trusting Him in a season of uncertainty, obedience opens the door for His promises to be fulfilled.

Challenge: Identify one area in your life where God is calling you to take a step of faith. Pray for courage and take that step, trusting that He will make a way.

Closing Thought:

The story of Israel crossing the Jordan reminds us that God’s promises often require preparation, faith, and obedience. As we sanctify ourselves and step forward in trust, we position ourselves to experience His power and provision. When God is in it, nothing can stop Him.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and sovereignty. Help me to prepare my heart, trust in Your promises, and step forward in faith. Remind me that You are always working, even when I cannot see it. Strengthen my resolve to follow You into the unknown, knowing that Your power and presence will carry me through. Amen.