How does Joshua 3:15 demonstrate God's power over natural obstacles in our lives? Setting the Scene Joshua 3 finds Israel camped on the east side of the Jordan, looking across raging, flood-stage waters to the Promised Land. The people can see Canaan, but an insurmountable natural barrier stands between promise and possession. The Verse in Focus “Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests who carried the ark entered the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge,” (Joshua 3:15). Facing Floods in Real Life • Israel’s crisis mirrors ours: God often leads His people to the very edge of something impossible so His power becomes unmistakable. • Flood-stage Jordan is no gentle stream. Melting snow from Mount Hermon turns the river into a torrent—thirty, even a hundred feet across in places, unpredictable and deadly. • No bridges, no boats, no human strategy could get an entire nation across. Lessons on God’s Power over Obstacles • He arranges the timing. – The crossing occurs “throughout the harvest season,” the worst time naturally, yet the best time divinely, showcasing that “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). • He steps in when faith steps out. – The priests’ feet touch water first; then the miracle begins (cf. Hebrews 11:29). – Obedience precedes the opening; God waits for trust before displaying power. • He rules creation. – The same God who split the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) and later stilled Galilee’s storm (Mark 4:39) halts the Jordan. – Nature is not autonomous; it answers to its Creator (Psalm 114:3-5). • He makes a way where none exists. – What floods intend to block, God turns into a dry path (Joshua 3:17). – Every obstacle—emotional, relational, financial—comes under the same sovereign authority. Living It Out 1. Identify the “Jordan” presently threatening to overwhelm. 2. Bring the Ark first—keep God’s presence central through Scripture and worship. 3. Put a foot in the water: take the next obedient step even before circumstances change. 4. Expect God’s timing; the swollen river you see today can dry up in an instant when He moves. Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 43:2 — “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” • Psalm 29:10 — “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood.” • Matthew 14:29-31 — Jesus invites Peter to walk on waves, proving mastery over nature. • 2 Corinthians 1:10 — “He has delivered us...and He will yet deliver us.” |
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