Joshua’s first major task was to get the entire nation across the flooded Jordan River. Here in Arkansas, we have learned first-hand about flood waters this spring and readily recite the new motto, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” To enter the Promised Land required crossing the river.
Joshua 3: 7-13 “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. 8 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.’” 9 So Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here, and hear the words of the Lord your God.” 10 And Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites: 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. 12 Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one man from every tribe. 13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap.”
Here is Joshua facing an impossible obstacle. God confirmed that Joshua is his chosen leader. The Lord spoke to him and He was with Joshua. The ability to lead the people depended on Joshua developing his relationship with God. He listened to the specific instructions of the Lord. In reporting the words of the Lord to the people, he expressed confidence that God would do everything as He promised.
The time comes when we must decide for ourselves if we believe God enough to act on His word. What is your testimony? Where is your confidence? Is your confidence in self abilities/talents or in God’s abilities, resources, and power?
Are you confident that God will do, will be with you, and will guide you just as He promised?