How should believers respond when witnessing God's work in their lives today? Setting the Scene “Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites and their God.” – Joshua 5:1 Israel has just watched the Jordan River stand still at God’s command. News spreads, enemy kings panic, and Israel stands on Canaan’s soil for the first time. What does this moment teach us about responding when we witness God’s hand in our own lives? Respond First with Awe, Not Analysis • God’s work is meant to stun us. “Their hearts melted”—the Canaanites reacted with fear; Israel should react with worship. • Psalm 66:5: “Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works on behalf of mankind!” • Make room for silence and wonder before rushing to plan the next step. Move Quickly to Humble Gratitude • Israel did not congratulate itself for a clever crossing; they recognized divine intervention (Joshua 4:24). • 1 Corinthians 1:31: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” • Keep a written record of answered prayers, so gratitude becomes a habit, not a fleeting feeling. Renew Covenant Commitments Immediately after crossing, Israel circumcised the new generation and celebrated Passover (Joshua 5:2–10). God’s miracles push us to: • Re-examine areas of delayed obedience. • Repent of any lingering compromise. • Re-affirm public identification with Christ—baptism, church fellowship, visible discipleship. Step Forward with Courage, Not Complacency God’s intervention was preparation for battles ahead, not an excuse to relax. • Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you.” • Miracles remind us that future obedience is possible because the same God marches with us. Let God’s Reputation Echo Beyond You Canaanite kings heard and trembled. When God acts today, He intends others to notice: • Psalm 105:1: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the nations.” • Share testimonies—specifically, honestly, and Christ-centered. • Guard against spotlighting yourself; spotlight the Savior. Rest in the Security His Works Provide • Joshua 5:1 ends with enemies paralyzed; Israel could rest and heal (5:8). • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” • Enjoy the peace that comes from seeing God fight for you; refuse the anxiety that tries to creep back in. Practical Take-Home Steps 1. Pause in worship whenever you recognize God’s hand. 2. Journal the event, linking it with Scripture that explains what God has done. 3. Confess and correct any area where obedience lags. 4. Tell at least one person this week what the Lord has done, aiming to build their faith. 5. Face the next challenge with fresh courage, repeating Romans 8:31: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Key Verses to Keep Close • Joshua 4:24 – God’s acts are “so that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty.” • Psalm 118:23 – “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” • Romans 11:36 – “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” |
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