How can we seek God's presence in our own "river" moments today? Key Verse: Joshua 3:13 “And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—rest in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.” What Israel Faced at the Jordan • A raging river at flood stage—humanly impassable • A nation called to trust God’s presence, symbolized by the ark, to go first • Priests stepping in before the miracle appeared, revealing faith in God’s promise Translating the Scene to Our Own “River” Moments • We meet modern Jordans—doctor reports, financial shortfalls, shattered relationships, daunting callings • The same Lord who halted the river still rules creation; His presence makes the impossible possible • Our task is not to part the waters, but to follow Him into them Seeking God’s Presence Today 1. Consecrate Yourself – Joshua 3:5: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” – Set apart time, thought, and behavior to align with His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). 2. Follow the Ark, Not the Crowd – Israel watched the priests, not the river; we fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). – Prioritize Scripture and Spirit-led direction over popular opinion or raw emotion. 3. Step In Before You See Dry Ground – Faith acts on God’s word, not on visible proof (2 Corinthians 5:7). – Obedient first steps invite the manifest presence that parts obstacles. 4. Stand Firm in the Midst – Joshua 3:17: “The priests…stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan.” – When the way opens, remain anchored until His work is complete; don’t sprint ahead or retreat early. 5. Memorialize God’s Deliverance – Joshua 4:7: stones of remembrance. – Keep journals, testimonies, and visible reminders so future crises recall past faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12). Scriptures that Reinforce His Nearness • Isaiah 43:2 — “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” • Psalm 46:4 — “There is a river whose streams delight the city of God; the holy place where the Most High dwells.” • Matthew 28:20 — “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” • John 7:38 — “Whoever believes in Me…‘streams of living water will flow from within him.’” • Hebrews 13:5 — “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Living the Lesson • Identify today’s river and name it before the Lord. • Re-surrender to His authority, affirm His promises aloud, and step in obedience no matter how small the first move feels. • Expect Him to reveal Himself in the middle of your situation, just as surely as He did in the Jordan’s dry riverbed. |
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