SCRIPTURE: Joshua 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD–the Lord of all the earth–set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap. [Joshua 3:13]
Notice that the priests have to approach the river – which is at flood stage – and step into the river before the water stops.
In other words, right up until the very last minute, the priests have no idea whether the river will stop or not.
Right up until the last minute, they are looking stupid, and have to trust that God will show up.
God is impressing on the people (again) that their success depends on Him 100%, and that they need to trust Him every step of the way.
‘Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’ ‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [Matthew 14:28-29]
Stepping out of the boat and onto the water was a similar – even more faith-stretching – experience.
Right up until his weight rested on the water, Peter had to trust that the water would hold him.
Imagine being at the lake, in a rowboat, and trying to step out of the boat onto the water.
How exactly do you step out?
The challenge for me is to face my fears of doing something for God – talking with someone about God, offering to pray or to help – and knowing that right up until the last minute, I have to go by faith and trust that God will do what only He can do.
Do we hesitate to pray with someone for healing because we’re afraid God might not heal?
But then if we don’t pray (step in the water), will we not see the miracle?
Two things are required: One, that we join with the Lord in His mission, and two, that we take steps in that direction, do things by faith and trust that He will work through them.
And not just little things, bold things, faith-stretching, comfort-zone smashing things. Expect little, see little; expect much, see much!
Or as William Carey said – Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God!
Be like Peter and ask for something huge!
PRAYER:
Lord, my prayers and efforts are too small. Give me a holy boldness for You, help me to take big steps of faith for You.
God with us.
In our daily travels, where did you/I see God for He is with His people. As Israel had not been this way before, so you and I have not been this way before. On the threshold of a new day, whom do I follow? I must turn each day over to the Lord just as the Israelites consecrated themselves to the Lord and they saw the amazing things He did for them. Am I able to see the amazing things God has done for me?
Do I hear and listen and do what the Lord is saying to me. Do I step forward in faith just as the priests did when they came to the waters? Do I expect great things from the Lord? Great and mighty is He! That needs to come to expression in my daily living for Jesus.
Open my eyes Lord. Open my ears Lord. Then I am able to follow the leading of Your Spirit and do what You desire of me. Continue to use me as an instrument of Your peace and may others see You in me.
Great and Mighty is the Lord our God
Great and Mighty is He
Great and Mighty is the Lord our God
Great and Mighty is He
Lift up you banners let the anthems ring
Praises to our King
Great and Mighty is the Lord our God
Great and Mighty is He