The people of Israel came to the Jordan river and lodged there. How would they ever cross this great river and take possession of the land of Canaan? Today, the Jordan River can reach up to a mile in width during the flood season. We often face what seem to be insurmountable obstacles as well. What do we do when we face these trials of life? Do we despair? We learn from Joshua and the Israelites that we are to allow God to lead us through them. The ark represented the presence of God, and the people were to follow it and cross the Jordan. Joshua commanded the people to consecrate themselves and be ready to see the wonders that God would do among them. Is this our first instinct? In difficult times, do we renew our dedication to the Lord and wait on him?

Joshua said to the people, "Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God." By listening to the word of God, we can know that the living God is among us and that he is leading us to our inheritance. As Christians, our inheritance is eternal life in the kingdom of God. We must allow God to lead us there and bring us home. He is the one who halts the river and brings us safely across. The people of Israel arrived safely on the other side of the Jordan when they trusted and obeyed the word of the Lord. Their feet didn't even get muddy.


Application: Father, give us a faith that trusts and obeys.
One Word: Know that the living God is among you