 |
| The Jordan river/ Image accredited to: https://www.flickr.com/photos/seetheholyland/4189367178 |
You're on the way to your destination - the road so far has been smooth and you've overcome many other barriers.
But then you see the biggest river you've ever seen in your life - add the fact that you can't swim and you have a fear of water into the mix.
The Israelites' faced one of their biggest obstacles in Joshua chapter 3. The river Jordan stood between them and their promised land. What's worse is that it was at flood stage. This is how life can feel sometimes (or a lot of the time). Your problems feel manageable, and you're full of confidence, until you hit that river/mountain or valley in your life. You feel as if you can't overcome or move forward, and what you want is just on the other side.
When it comes to crossing your Jordan, you have to keep a few things in mind.
1. In your own strength it will be impossible.
When we rely on ourselves to move the things that only God can move, we tire ourselves out needlessly and are at risk of drowning in our problems.
Joshua reminds the Israelites:
"...when you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move from out of your positions and follow it." (Joshua 3:3 NIV)
The Israelites were told to wait until they saw the presence of God. It's important to follow the direction of God and allow him to guide your footsteps, but you must also be patient in the waiting. If the Israelites had moved of their own accord, they would have most likely drowned as the Jordan was at flood stage.
2. The way God solves your problem may not be what you expect
"the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down the Sea of Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho." (Joshua 3:16 NIV)
God could have easily just parted the water in two, like he did when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. He chose not to, because He was (and is) making a statement.
First he cut off the water flowing upstream (the closest to the source). When God intervenes in your situation, He is able to get to the root of the problem.
Then he does something against the natural order and piles the water up in a heap, at a town which is ironically called Adam (Earth/man). He's demonstrating that His power is greater than man's. He was (and is) in control of the Jordan because He created it. It's almost like He was crying out "look humanity! See my glory!"
What He does next is even more glorious. He completely cuts off the water going to the Dead Sea. It's a great reminder of the fact that God is the source of life, and wishes us to have it in abundance. God wasn't simply allowing the Israelites to cross, but he was showing them the glory and splendour waiting for them on the other side. God won't simply enable you to cross your Jordan, but He'll show you what great things He has in store.
3. You can't fail!
Remember, with God on your side, no matter how difficult it is to overcome your problem, you cannot and will not fail. He is the very definition of life. It's impossible for Him to fail you! God is more than able to fight for you, just like He did for the Israelites.
Courtney Carr x
