A Step of Faith

    
    And the LORD said to Joshua, This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When you have come to the edge of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand in the Jordan. Joshua 3:7-8 (NKJV)
    
    There are times in life that we will all face, that require us in certain tough situations to continue to move forward, even though we dont see hope. It could be in a relationship, a job, a financial crisis, or many other things that can bring on challenges and testing. We know that we need to dig deep and persevere but we wont want to. It can be from fear, uncertainty, a lack of hope, or just plain being uncomfortable. And there can be a temptation for you to possibly bail out, or just stay where you are instead of moving forward. Its kind of like a rainy day where you are warmly tucked in, nice and cozy, so the last place you want to go is outside into a storm. 
    
    I would have to think that this was the situation with at least some of the Israelites as they were about to cross over the Promised Land. There forefathers had made a huge mistake not trusting in Gods promises 40-years earlier, and because of that, every person older than 20-years of age was not allowed to see that beautiful place that God had given to them. And for the following 40-year trek, they simply waited until each of these people who lacked faith and determination, died (See Numbers 32:10-13).
    
    
    So now, 40-years later, the decedents of those who failed their test were getting a test of their own, and it was again the same river, crossing over into the Promised Land filled with hostel people who would not welcome them. The Ark of the Covenant, carried by the Levite priests was to go ahead of the people, as the Lord would lead the way. As they departed from their campsite, the Ark continued ahead of the people. This wasnt the first time that they were to cross a seemingly impossible span of water during this journey, as they had already crossed the Red Sea. What is worth noting is that this parting of water was different than when they went to and through the Red Sea. Because, there, God parted it before they stepped in the water, but here, he wanted to test their faith, and so He had them step into a raging river. 
    
    Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the waters edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground. Joshua 3:15-17 (NIV)
    
    We can see this same thing in our lives as Christians. In the early stages of our Christian walk God opens doors and provides us with an easy path. But later, He requires our obedience in action to our faith in what He has clearly directed us to do, even when the circumstances show us that what lies ahead of us, looks to be impossible. Cool stuff! Because this is where God gets to show you how much He loves you, as He guides you through the obstacle course, and through the maze that we call life. And this is where He is glorified. You see, He knows the way through. He knows exactly what is going to happen, and He knows what you need. 
    
    So, whats left? Whats left is that we need simply to trust Him, and to walk forward in faith. Hey Christian, perhaps you are going through a test now, or you know someone that is. Talk to God! Ask Him to give you a peace of mind (See Phil 4:6,7). Ask Him to give you wisdom each day so you know what to do (See James 1:5-7). 
    
    As we read the history of those who faced these trials before us, we should glean from these examples and implement their successes into our life. And we should avoid making the same mistakes that those who failed in faith made. We placed our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior for our eternal life, and He has rewarded us with the promise of Salvation. Should we doubt that He would provide food for our bodies, or gas for the vehicles that He has blessed us with?
    
    It is for these tough times, just like the ones that we are facing, that we have been called. We can shine in obedience to the Good Shepherds voice as He calls us out of our comfort, and challenges us to walk in faith.
    
    There is a reward for faith, but it will require us to take a step.
    
    STUDY QUESTION: Can you see how God showed us clearly how he will guide us through and even allow to be tested in our faith by the verses above?
    
    PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you, or is someone close to you going through a test that looks bleak or uninviting? 
    
    APPLICATION: Seek Gods guidance, and dont give up. It could be a marriage, or a financial crisis; it doesnt matter. Dont give up! Give God a chance to help you by placing your faith properly in Him. Seek, pray, read the word, and wait on Him, but dont give up.