“Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan, their feet touched the water at its edge and the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass…”
Joshua 3:15-16
What were the priests thinking as they approached the river at flood stage? Did they hesitate just for a moment before stepping in? Were there doubts in their minds about how 2.5 million people with all their belongings would be able to pass through? Were they tempted to ask Joshua, “Are you sure about this?” The scriptures give us no hint. We don’t know but what we do know is that they were normal people who could have had these thoughts just like we do with faith challenges.
Especially when God calls us to do something we’ve never done before.
Commit to go on a mission trip…
Teach a Sunday school class…
Take leadership training courses…
Financially support a missionary…
Undertake a church ministry position…
Notice when the Lord provided the assurance, they needed to cross this overflowing fast-moving river. “As soon as.. their feet touched the water’s edge.” God provides assurance the moment we make the first step! We must take the first step.
That is called a step of faith! It demonstrates our faith in God. “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” Heb 11:1
Imagine the thoughts of Peter and Andrew when they left their fishing boat to follow Jesus. Or Matthew when he left his place as chief tax collector to follow Christ. Or the challenges Saul faced when he made a complete turnaround about his view of Jesus. Did these need affirmations from God the moment they took the first step?
The disciples immediately watched Jesus heal every disease and sickness. Matthew witnessed Jesus lovingly accept all of his fellow tax collectors and sinners. Saul received his sight and the filling of the Holy Spirit by Annias as he laid hands on him.
When we take the first step God comes! What has He called to you to do? What is the burden on your heart? Need more assurance? He may be waiting for you to take the first step!
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
Leave a Reply