How can we prepare ourselves spiritually to witness God's miracles like in Joshua 3:13? Setting the Scene at the Jordan “‘And when the soles of the feet of the priests carrying the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—rest in the waters of the Jordan, its waters will be cut off. The water flowing downstream will stand up in a heap.’” (Joshua 3:13) Why Preparation Matters God was ready to perform a visible, history-shaping miracle—but He called Israel to get ready first. The same pattern runs throughout Scripture: • Exodus 14:13-16—Israel stands still in faith before the Red Sea parts. • 2 Kings 4:3-4—The widow gathers empty jars before the oil flows. • John 11:39-40—The stone is removed before Lazarus walks out. Four Heart-Level Steps 1. Consecrate Yourself • Joshua 3:5: “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.’” • Personal holiness clears away unbelief and compromise, making room for faith’s expectancy (Hebrews 12:14). • Daily confession of sin (1 John 1:9) and intentional obedience sharpen spiritual sensitivity. 2. Keep Your Eyes on God’s Presence • Israel fixed on the Ark; we fix on Christ, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). • Prioritize time in the Word (Psalm 119:105) and maintain a posture of worship (Psalm 22:3). 3. Step Out Before the Waters Move • The priests’ feet touched the river while it was still at flood stage. • Act on God’s promises even when circumstances look unchanged (James 2:17). • Small, immediate obedience positions us for larger breakthroughs (Luke 16:10). 4. Stand Firm in the Midst of the Miracle • Joshua 3:17—The priests remained “firmly standing on dry ground.” • Hold ground in prayer and perseverance until the work is complete (Ephesians 6:13). • Guard against fear and distraction; miracles often unfold progressively (Mark 8:24-25). Practical Ways to Consecrate Today • Fast from distractions—set aside media and entertainments to seek God’s face. • Schedule extended Scripture reading—let passages like Psalm 91, Isaiah 40, and John 15 saturate the mind. • Clean relational house—pursue forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24). • Yield possessions and plans—acknowledge God’s ownership of time, finances, and future (Proverbs 3:9-10). Living with Expectancy • Speak God’s promises aloud—faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). • Keep a journal of answered prayer—remember past crossings to fuel present trust (Psalm 77:11-14). • Engage in corporate faith—join believers who believe God still parts rivers (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Takeaway When consecrated hearts fix on God’s presence, step out on His word, and stand firm, the same Lord who halted the Jordan delights to display His power again—turning impossibilities into highways for His people and glory for His name. |