“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during the harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away…while the water flowing down…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: 14-17 NIV 1984)
Those people had some faith. They’d heard about God parting the Red Sea for their escape from Egypt, but this is a different generation who didn’t actually experience it. Note the mention of “dry ground” again just as with the Red Sea parting. They were not required to slog through mud. God actually dried the ground for them to easily make their way across. I do not like mud. This makes me happy.
Imagine a different scene if the priests had stopped a few steps short of the river. Balancing the ark while looking down at the water, waiting for it to part, wondering what God was waiting for.
Have you stood at the river waiting for God to act? Wondering what He’s waiting for?
I have. I bet you have as well.
I have refused to put my feet in the water. I have pleaded, begged, and bargained. But, I refused to put my feet in the water. You can drown in water. You can’t always see where you’re going in the water. You can’t see what’s in the water. I spent many summers swimming in the lake, but I much prefer a pool. Because I can see. I can see if there’s anything dangerous or scary in the pool. I know exactly where to find the ladders and steps. There are lots of places to hang on to the side and safely find my way back to solid ground. I always felt a tiny shiver of anxiety swimming in the lake. What’s down there? What is lurking just below my feet?
I didn’t go in the ocean for some thirty-odd years after watching Jaws. I am not joking. Even then it was only because we were at the beach with grandchildren, and I knew I’d be guilt-ridden for the rest of my life if a shark bit them while I was safely nestled beneath my umbrella. Still, I only went in just above my knees. In case either of my daughters are reading this, no worries; I absolutely would have sacrificed myself if an ominous fin had appeared on the horizon.
Are you afraid of what might be in the water? I get it. But, dear one, step in the water, you must. It’s called faith. It’s called trust in the One who loves you so very much.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43: 2)
That is one of my favorite verses, and it has kept me balanced throughout my life, no matter the trial or temptation. Notice the word “when” in both sentences. Not “if” but “when”. The Lord has promised trouble in this world. We can’t avoid it. But, we do not have to walk the path of sorrow alone. He has also promised victory if we have faith to trust Him in the deep, dark waters of life.
It takes courage to step into the unknown. If you will trust in the Lord, He will give you the very courage you need to put your feet in the water. After all, He’s already walked on it and is there with His hand outstretched.
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.” (Matthew 14:28-29)
Listen. Jesus is speaking to you. “Come.”
CatFitzGerald 