ARE YOU GOING THROUGH THE JORDAN RIVER?

KEY VERSE:
“This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee…” — Joshua 3:7

INTRODUCTION:
When God gives an instruction, He expects us to act in faith. The story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River is a powerful reminder of the role faith plays in stepping into God’s promises. Joshua was commanded to lead the people into the Promised Land, and the first obstacle they faced was the raging Jordan River. But God had a plan — a plan that required faith and obedience, not just from Joshua, but also from the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant.

MESSAGE:
Joshua instructed the priests to carry the Ark of the Covenant and lead the procession. The people were to follow, trusting that God’s presence would guide them. But the river was overflowing, its waters powerful and dangerous. So, where were the priests to step?

God’s response was clear: “When the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the Ark enter the Jordan, the waters will be cut off.” The miracle would happen once they took the first step of faith — walking into the river. And, just as God promised, when the priests stepped into the Jordan, the waters parted, and the people crossed on dry land.

But there’s an important lesson here: the priests had to take the first step. They had to step into the unknown, into what appeared to be an impossibility. What if they had hesitated? What if they had discussed the risks and found reasons not to move forward? Like many of us, they could have easily found logical excuses to avoid stepping into the river.

But their faith led them to act. And once they did, God made the impossible possible. The waters parted, not because they were powerful in themselves, but because they obeyed God’s command.

God’s Purpose in the Miracle:
This wasn’t just about showing off God’s power. The miracle served specific divine purposes:

1. Confirmation of Joshua’s leadership — God used this miracle to affirm that Joshua was the man of God, just as Moses had been.
2. Recognition of the true God — This miracle showed Israel and their enemies that the God of Israel is the living God, able to part waters and clear paths.
3. Defeat of the enemy — The enemies of Israel saw that they were already defeated because of the power of the living God.
4. Fulfillment of divine destiny — The Israelites were now on their way to fulfilling their purpose, with no barriers standing in their way.

CONCLUSION:
What “Jordan Rivers” are you facing today? Are there challenges in your life that seem like impenetrable obstacles? Or can you see them as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power? Just as God parted the Jordan River for the Israelites, He will make a way for you where there seems to be no way.

The question is, what is the first step you need to take? What act of faith will you demonstrate to show God you trust Him completely?

Let the “Jordans” of your life be stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.

PRACTICAL REFLECTION:

• What barriers are standing in the way of your progress today?
• Have you taken the first step of faith, even when the situation looks impossible?
• How can you view your current challenges as opportunities for God’s glory?

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to step forward in faith, trusting that You will make a way when there seems to be no way.
2. I pray for the strength to face every challenge and for the courage to obey Your instructions, no matter how difficult they may seem.
3. Father, open my eyes to see the opportunities in my obstacles, and help me to walk confidently toward the promises You have for me.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The God who parted the Jordan River will part every obstacle in your path if you take that first step of faith and trust His guidance.