Joshua 3:15 and 17 When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge (the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest), the flow of water stopped …. And there they stood; those priests carrying the Chest of the Covenant stood firmly planted on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground. Finally, the whole nation was across the Jordan, and not one wet foot.

I wonder if you, like me, also easily forget this wonderful moment in the life of God’s people, Israel. We remember the crossing of the Red Sea, but for some reason we don’t remember this one so well.

Humanly speaking, it’s the worst time to cross the Jordan. Usually, one waits for the dry season, when there isn’t much water in the river. Then came God’s most unexpected command: the priests were to step directly into the water, bearing the Ark of the Covenant.

And wow, when their feet touched the water, it began to dam up. The miracle happened before their eyes, and the water suddenly flowed down a different path while the riverbed became completely dry.

This is proof of a true and intimate relationship with God. You see, the river hadn’t even dried up before they started walking. No, the river was in flood. It wasn’t until their toes touched the water that the miracle happened.

This is faith. True faith. The priests not only took a chance with their lives, they also took a chance to make fools of themselves. Imagine if they were half-way through the river and the ark went downstream. How could the people not laugh at them and their faith then?

Often, we also come to a river in flood. Often, we’re expected to put our faith in gear and do something outside the norm. God trusts us with that.  But do we always trust God? Maybe we should take the bull by the horns for once, put our toes in the water and believe that the way will open.

Prayer
Father, I believe. Or rather, I want to believe more, so that my faith will be enough to do things that seem humanly impossible …

Questions
Where am I waiting for certainty before I move, rather than walking in faith?
What “Jordan” is currently before me that I dare not cross?
Do I trust God enough to move first, even though I don’t see the outcome yet?

Do this now
Today, identify one area where you have been waiting for “the water to open up” before you move.
Write down the first small step you can take, and pray specifically about it.
Take that step today, even if it feels small, and trust that God will open the way as you move.