Oakwood Church Fresh Start Women's Devotional Encouragement for Today Hartland Delafield

Step In!
By Jen Wollner

“… ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”
Joshua 3:8b

The land that the Lord had promised the Israelites so many years earlier was just on the other side of the Jordan River. The problem? Getting across the river! It was spring and the river was overflowing its banks. I imagine that also meant it was deep and rushing quickly as it passed the Israelite camp. For three days they had, no doubt, seen and heard its strong current and had probably wondered how and when they would ever get across.

Then came the word from the Lord as recorded in Joshua 3:7-8, 13: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river…And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream with be cut off and stand up in a heap.’”

“What?! That’s impossible! I’m not stepping one foot in THAT raging river!” That’s what I would have wanted to say if I had been one of those priests! But, they didn’t respond like that at all. They simply broke camp and got ready to cross.

God had a plan…actually, a promised land. But in order for the Israelites to get there, they had to step into the unknown, the scary, the dangerous, and trust God to work out the impossible. They had to follow His direction and obey, one step at a time.

Sometimes the Lord calls us to put feet to our faith by moving us in a direction that we think is impossible. Most times in life we can’t see the whole plan that He has in store for us, or even more than one step ahead, but we need to choose to move forward anyway, letting our faith conquer our fear.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

So, what are you waiting for? Step in!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What’s God calling you to that’s causing you fear or uncertainty? Trust Him and move forward in the direction He is leading you.

FURTHER READING:
Exodus 14:15-31; Matthew 14:22-32

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children between the ages of eight and five. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.