Crossing your Jordan
Read Joshua 3:1-17
Joshua was a servant of the LORD. (Joshua 24:29) He was known for his deep trust in God and he was "a man in whom is the spirit." (Numbers 27:18) He knew the bitter realities of slavery and he had also witnessed the miracles of God. He led the Israelites into the promised land after many years of slavery and 40 years in the desert.
God told Joshua that He would give him every place where he set his foot. (Joshua 1:3) He promised to never leave or forsake him. (Joshua 1:5) He commanded him to "Be strong and courageous" and to meditate on His Word day and night. (Joshua 1:7-8) Joshua obeyed God and we pick up the story in chapter 3.
I love the first verse of chapter 3; it says that they set out early in the morning. Now, I must admit that I am not a morning person. However, when I make time to wake up early and spend time in God's Word, it is always rewarding. There is just something about those first few moments of the day spent with the Savior. This verse also says that they had "camped before crossing over." I believe that many times we need to campout, so to speak, with Jesus. Spend some intense alone time with Him before stepping out in faith. This allows us to hear Him more clearly and clarify our direction.
Next, the people had to MOVE! This sounds easy enough, but many times when it comes our turn, we want to stand our ground. We do not want to follow, we want to lead. We want to do things our own way. We don't mind moving, as long as it is at our own pace. . . s l o w l y! Yet, in this story we see that the orders had been clearly given by the leaders. When they saw the ark of the covenant of the LORD God (this signified the Lord's presence), and the priests carrying it going ahead of them. . . they were "to move out from their positions and follow!" (Joshua 3:3) I believe that God calls pastors, leaders, to lead. God gives the directions and vision through the leader and we are to follow. This seems so simple, yet we often make it so difficult.
I am humbled and honored to be a pastor's wife. I do NOT take this position lightly. I feel as though it is a blessed calling and I just desire to have a heart of a servant. I trust my husband. He is the leader of our home and as he surrenders to the Holy Spirit, God gives the direction on where we should go. The same goes in the church. As God gives the spiritual leader that He has placed in leadership the vision, we as a people are to follow.
Let's get back to our story. We studied just a couple of days ago about "pala." This was the charge that Joshua gave the people. Remember? "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing (pala) things among you." (Joshua 3:5) He knew that God was going to do something marvelous, extaordinary and wonderful; something surpassing and amazing that only God could do, if they were obedient. It was going to be a GOD thing! What has God done that could only be explained as "pala" in your life?
We pick up in verse 7, where they reached the waters edge. Wow, have I ever been there. Have you ever been at a place, on the water's edge, where the anticipation of what was to come was so great? Can you imagine how the Israelites must have been feeling that day? They had been in slavery and in the desert for 40 years. The day of crossing over had finally come. I am confident that the anticipation of what was to come was so overwhelming. I'm sure they were overcome with excitement.I am also sure that some were afraid. I know I have been at this very position before. It is so exciting when a group of believers are obedient to the Holy Spirit!! God moves in such a miraculous way and His Spirit is like a whoosing mighty wind that stirs excitement and anticipation of what is to come! I can remember such a time in one of our previous congregations. It was SO exciting to see how God was at work among His people. I couldn't wait to go to worship each week. People were getting saved and baptized weekly and the Spirit was so amazing. Outsiders would come in and say, "I've never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit this way. It is so strong and inviting." The church continued to grow and the enthusiasm was contagious! This had nothing to do with me or my husband, it was simply a GOD thing!!
I also think it is important to realize that the Holy Spirit went before them (vs. 11) and the leaders were required to step in first! As leaders, we are to maintain a high level of accountability. Where much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48b) Isn't it reassuring to know that we are not alone? The Holy Spirit works within us and He goes before us. Isaiah 52:12 says, "But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." He goes before us and He has our backs!
The leaders had to lead by faith! The Jordan did not stop flowing until their feet touched the water's edge. (vs. 13-16). This was very significant since the Jordan was at floodstage. They had to take a risk and step into the DEEP! Once they obeyed God and followed Him the water from upstream stopped flowing and the people were able to cross over on dry ground.The promised land! Praise be to God!!
Do you have a Jordan that you are facing? Are you afraid to step into the deep? Move out of your position, in faith, and trust God. We must get in the deep with God. Dive deep into His Word and allow His Spirit to control every area of our lives. As we move forward, pray about what God wants to speak specifically to your heart. Let us spend some time listening (camping out) and then get ready to MOVE!! Be strong and courageous! I have tasted the pala and let me tell you, it is like nothing you could ever imagine.
Father, I pray that each one of us will soak in your Word and apply it to our lives. Help us to step out into the deep by faith, trusting in You. Thank you for going before us, no matter what our Jordan may be, and staying in the middle with us until we get through. Thank you for your protecion, love, provision and example of holiness. I love you Jesus! Thank you for speaking to me this morning and for allowing me the wonderful memories of a God thing that was all because of you. Thank you for the promise of the God thing that is to come! Draw me closer to you; help me to be obedient and to allow your Holy Spirit to fill me once again. Help me to follow you and to not be afraid to cross over my Jordan. I give You all the glory, honor and praise! Amen
I love you Journey Girls and you are in my prayers!
At the water's edge,
Elisabeth
Joshua was a servant of the LORD. (Joshua 24:29) He was known for his deep trust in God and he was "a man in whom is the spirit." (Numbers 27:18) He knew the bitter realities of slavery and he had also witnessed the miracles of God. He led the Israelites into the promised land after many years of slavery and 40 years in the desert.
God told Joshua that He would give him every place where he set his foot. (Joshua 1:3) He promised to never leave or forsake him. (Joshua 1:5) He commanded him to "Be strong and courageous" and to meditate on His Word day and night. (Joshua 1:7-8) Joshua obeyed God and we pick up the story in chapter 3.
I love the first verse of chapter 3; it says that they set out early in the morning. Now, I must admit that I am not a morning person. However, when I make time to wake up early and spend time in God's Word, it is always rewarding. There is just something about those first few moments of the day spent with the Savior. This verse also says that they had "camped before crossing over." I believe that many times we need to campout, so to speak, with Jesus. Spend some intense alone time with Him before stepping out in faith. This allows us to hear Him more clearly and clarify our direction.
Next, the people had to MOVE! This sounds easy enough, but many times when it comes our turn, we want to stand our ground. We do not want to follow, we want to lead. We want to do things our own way. We don't mind moving, as long as it is at our own pace. . . s l o w l y! Yet, in this story we see that the orders had been clearly given by the leaders. When they saw the ark of the covenant of the LORD God (this signified the Lord's presence), and the priests carrying it going ahead of them. . . they were "to move out from their positions and follow!" (Joshua 3:3) I believe that God calls pastors, leaders, to lead. God gives the directions and vision through the leader and we are to follow. This seems so simple, yet we often make it so difficult.
I am humbled and honored to be a pastor's wife. I do NOT take this position lightly. I feel as though it is a blessed calling and I just desire to have a heart of a servant. I trust my husband. He is the leader of our home and as he surrenders to the Holy Spirit, God gives the direction on where we should go. The same goes in the church. As God gives the spiritual leader that He has placed in leadership the vision, we as a people are to follow.
Let's get back to our story. We studied just a couple of days ago about "pala." This was the charge that Joshua gave the people. Remember? "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing (pala) things among you." (Joshua 3:5) He knew that God was going to do something marvelous, extaordinary and wonderful; something surpassing and amazing that only God could do, if they were obedient. It was going to be a GOD thing! What has God done that could only be explained as "pala" in your life?
We pick up in verse 7, where they reached the waters edge. Wow, have I ever been there. Have you ever been at a place, on the water's edge, where the anticipation of what was to come was so great? Can you imagine how the Israelites must have been feeling that day? They had been in slavery and in the desert for 40 years. The day of crossing over had finally come. I am confident that the anticipation of what was to come was so overwhelming. I'm sure they were overcome with excitement.I am also sure that some were afraid. I know I have been at this very position before. It is so exciting when a group of believers are obedient to the Holy Spirit!! God moves in such a miraculous way and His Spirit is like a whoosing mighty wind that stirs excitement and anticipation of what is to come! I can remember such a time in one of our previous congregations. It was SO exciting to see how God was at work among His people. I couldn't wait to go to worship each week. People were getting saved and baptized weekly and the Spirit was so amazing. Outsiders would come in and say, "I've never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit this way. It is so strong and inviting." The church continued to grow and the enthusiasm was contagious! This had nothing to do with me or my husband, it was simply a GOD thing!!
I also think it is important to realize that the Holy Spirit went before them (vs. 11) and the leaders were required to step in first! As leaders, we are to maintain a high level of accountability. Where much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48b) Isn't it reassuring to know that we are not alone? The Holy Spirit works within us and He goes before us. Isaiah 52:12 says, "But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." He goes before us and He has our backs!
The leaders had to lead by faith! The Jordan did not stop flowing until their feet touched the water's edge. (vs. 13-16). This was very significant since the Jordan was at floodstage. They had to take a risk and step into the DEEP! Once they obeyed God and followed Him the water from upstream stopped flowing and the people were able to cross over on dry ground.The promised land! Praise be to God!!
Do you have a Jordan that you are facing? Are you afraid to step into the deep? Move out of your position, in faith, and trust God. We must get in the deep with God. Dive deep into His Word and allow His Spirit to control every area of our lives. As we move forward, pray about what God wants to speak specifically to your heart. Let us spend some time listening (camping out) and then get ready to MOVE!! Be strong and courageous! I have tasted the pala and let me tell you, it is like nothing you could ever imagine.
Father, I pray that each one of us will soak in your Word and apply it to our lives. Help us to step out into the deep by faith, trusting in You. Thank you for going before us, no matter what our Jordan may be, and staying in the middle with us until we get through. Thank you for your protecion, love, provision and example of holiness. I love you Jesus! Thank you for speaking to me this morning and for allowing me the wonderful memories of a God thing that was all because of you. Thank you for the promise of the God thing that is to come! Draw me closer to you; help me to be obedient and to allow your Holy Spirit to fill me once again. Help me to follow you and to not be afraid to cross over my Jordan. I give You all the glory, honor and praise! Amen
I love you Journey Girls and you are in my prayers!
At the water's edge,
Elisabeth
4 Response to Crossing your Jordan
I too stand at the waters edge with you Elisabeth
I want to just dive in. I am at a place where all I CAN do is have faith. I know he has something in store for us. He has to because he loves us. Rusty has been at this job so long and has missed so much of the little things in our world. He never gets to go to church, spending time with the kids is minimal holidays and family events are attended always with out him. That is what a 24 hour retail business does for the family. He is such a dedicated employee and he would never leave a job in fear of not being able to provide for his family, but this force out might just be what is in God's plan, because after all he is in charge, right? I have hope in God and I know a better offer is in store for him, enabling him to be with his family more. At home and church. I appreciate your prayers.
I so look forward to your post everyday, the scriptures you pull out makes my soul sing. Christ is working through you to bless so many people and I am so thankful I can call you both friend. I love ya Elisabeth and miss hearing that sweet voice. We are going to get through this valley together. Only our God can move the mountains.
Vivian,
Please know that I am right beside you in spirit!I am praying for ya'll daily and I know that God does have a plan! His plan is to "prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) We will just continue to seek Him with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:12-13) and I know He will provide! You are such an encouragement to me Vivian, and I praise Jesus for you! Thank you for your sweet words. I miss you too, more than you can imagine! Yes, we will get through this valley & we will be stronger! Praising God in advance for His provision in your situation. LOVE YOU!!
This post really spoke to me. One of the areas I have been concentrating on during this journey is to receive clear direction for a ministry I have been praying about for over a year now. Sometimes I've felt like God has said "I have something wonderful I'm going to do, but now is not the time". Then He clearly showed me where I might have been ahead of Him and He clarified the vision for me. Lately, I've been feeling like He is saying "Ok, quit praying about it, I've told you what to do, just do it!" I still don't know the details of how all this is going to work out, but there are some steps that maybe I need to be taking anyway. I love the verse that says God would give Joshua every place to set his foot. I think this scripture helped me to realize that He may be waiting for me to "step to the edge of the water and put my foot in". I'm so passionate about where I feel God is leading. I know for certain it is His will. As I continue on this journey, I'm so excited about how God is going to fill me with His power to be obedient, and to not fear, and to be very courageous! I don't want to miss any of His blessings!
Ginger,
I am so excited about this new ministry in your life! I know that the LORD will order your every step and give you clarity and direction. Step out in faith and beleive Him! I know that He is going to continue to use you in amazing ways to further His kingdom.
I love you and appreciate your sweet spirit and your prayers. Thank you for your encouragement! I will continue to pray with you and I look forward to hearing about your next steps!! You are a blessing!
Post a Comment