“Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you…”
Joshua 3:9-10
There are days when my life feels like an obstacle course. With deadlines and meetings and demands on my
time, I often find myself collapsing at the end of the day. The even bigger issues beyond daily chaos,
like those of major illnesses, financial problems, and relationship problems,
leave me wondering what to do and where to turn.
The Israelites endured 40 years of wandering the wilderness because of unbelief and now they stood on the banks of the Jordan River, poised to enter into the Promised Land. Before they could cross over into God’s promises, they had to cross a major obstacle. On a normal day, the Jordan River was 100 feet wide, 10 feet deep and contained rapids, but this was no normal day. The Bible says the Jordan was at flood stage, which means it was out of its banks and in some places as much as 14 miles wide.In addition, it was swampy, hot and humid, and provided a haven for lots of wild animals. This river was so fierce that no city had ever built directly along its banks. This was not something small that God was asking His people to do.
Joshua stood on those banks looking to God for what to do next, and what he found was God’s clear direction for the people. Joshua called the people together to give them God’s message and begin their march into the Promised Land. It wasn’t an easy journey, but Joshua knew God would deliver them. Right behind him were the Levites stepping out in faith and standing firm in the midst of it all.
When you look out at your life, what obstacle seems 14 miles wide, swampy and full of danger? Whatever the obstacle, we can learn something from Joshua and the Levites. What has God called you to do in your situation? Are you like Joshua, listening intently and then responding? Samuel 22:33 says “God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect”. Undoubtedly, His PERFECT WAY will not be our idea of a perfect way. God does promise to give us the strength and power to get through it – no matter how wide the river, how deep the water, or how dangerous the path. Do you trust God to guide you today?
