“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God… follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”— Joshua 3:4, NIV
At the beginning of every day, every year, or new season of life, we can say, we have not been this way before. A new adventure, a new start, things that never happened to us before—a new way to experience God’s presence and power!
The question is, are you ready? Are you willing? Do you believe it?
After forty years of wandering in the desert, the children of Israel stood on the shore, the Promised Land in front of them. All they had to do was cross the wild and dangerous Jordan River. Imagine the fear, uncertainty, and hesitation that murmured through the people.
Joshua commanded them to follow the Ark of the Covenant carried by the Levitical priests because “Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before” (Joshua 3:4).
Joshua also instructed, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
The river was at a flood stage and not easily navigable. Enemies could be waiting on the other side. Did God order the soldiers and strongest men in the camp to lead the way? No, He put the priests and the Ark on the front lines and promised: “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Exodus 33:14).
Like the Dad that He is, the Lord goes before us, urging us to join the adventure. It’s time to get our feet wet and step into the river because He plans to do amazing things.
The priests stepped in, and the water immediately stopped flowing from upstream. Just like the stories of Moses, which the elders remembered, and the young ones heard growing up! It was the beginning of Joshua’s “amazing things.” The whole nation crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
You and I have been born in this particular stage of history, this hour in the history of humankind.
Our lives are not an accident. God knows you, designed you, and planned on your life being here at this time for specific reasons.
“Consecrate yourselves,” Joshua told his people.
We need to dedicate, purify, and prepare ourselves to follow His leading.
Then in every new beginning, new territory, and adventure in life, we will see God do “amazing things.”
How exciting!
