I’m thinking again about the people of Israel as they watched the Jordan River rushing by….wondering how they were going to get across first and then…what waited for them on the other side. You see, their minds raced too…rumors of giants in the land; walled and fortified cities that no man could scale…no maps to show them the lay of the land. Totally walking by faith, and not by sight. But the other part of this story was watching the priests as they walked toward the flooded banks of the Jordan River…and as they stepped into the water nothing happened as fear washed in with the silt from the river bed. Then they walked a bit further…still frightened…and a bit further as their sandals sank in mud….and then and ONLY then…did the water begin to subside and ultimately stop. You’re going to have to take a few steps forward toward your fear and uncertainty but I promise you one thing…God will honor every step of faith you take and will provide for you and your family in the most unexpected ways. Trust Him for that. But whatever you do, don’t stop moving forward.
The blessing awaits. “Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God goes before you.”
Thank you!
By: Nancy Carter Lishen on January 18, 2012
at 8:59 pm
God is not only personal but intentional! I read your blog just after I had been asking for direction from the Holy Spirit: do I just stay put or do I move forward regarding an extended family member’s situation? I felt I should “”shine some Light” into their home but prayed for confirmation. Thanks for the good and godly advice, Pastor.
By: Suzanne David on January 20, 2012
at 2:57 pm
Awesome Suzanne. The Lord brought you to my mind this morning in prayer…I hope you are doing ok. Hard to be “confined,” I know.
By: tim maynard on January 20, 2012
at 4:13 pm
According to 2 Corinthians 2:5 we are to “live by faith, not by sight.” Surely we miss many of God’s blessings because we get to the banks of our Jordan River and fail to take that step of faith into turbulent waters AS GOD LEADS US. We fail to heed the commands of God . . . we lack strength and courage . . . we live in fear . . . we become discouraged . . . we fail to recognize and acknowledge God’s presence with us. (Joshua 1:9)
Back then the Israelites followed the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant. They followed as God lead . . . into turbulent waters . . . but also into the land of promise! TODAY Jesus says “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24, NIV1984)
Living by faith does not mean we have to figure out what to do. Living by faith means living in relationship with God in Christ so that we might hear from Him, understand what He is saying, and obey! The only way to the land of promise is to follow God . . . His way and in His timing . . . even at times directly into the turbulence.
shema . . .
By: kbob on January 21, 2012
at 7:58 am