How can we trust God in seemingly impossible situations, like in Joshua 3:16? Setting the Scene Joshua 3 places Israel on the east bank of the Jordan at flood stage. Ahead stands Canaan, behind lies forty years of wilderness. The only route forward is a river that cannot be forded, yet the Lord has promised, “You will cross over.” The Impossible Obstacle Joshua 3:16: “the waters flowing downstream stood still and rose up in a heap, very far away at Adam… the waters flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah… were completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” • A swollen Jordan = a human impossibility. • God does not shrink the river; He stops it altogether. • The miracle occurs the moment the priests’ feet touch the edge (3:15). God’s Call to Step In • “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” (3:5) • The Ark—symbol of God’s presence—goes first (3:3-4). • Israel must move while the waters still rage. Obedience precedes sight. Lessons for Our Journey 1. God’s promises stand, even against physical evidence. 2. He acts at precisely the right moment—never late, never early. 3. Our role is consecration and obedience; His role is intervention. 4. Impossible circumstances showcase His power, not ours (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9). Keys to Trusting God Today • Recall His track record – Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) – Elijah at the widow’s jar (1 Kings 17:14-16) – Empty tomb (Matthew 28:6) • Stay close to His presence – Word (Psalm 119:105) – Spirit (John 14:26) • Step when He says step – Faith acts (James 2:17) – Delay often equals disbelief (Numbers 14:23-24) • Set your eyes on the unseen – “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) • Speak His promises aloud – “He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) Scriptures that Echo the Same Truth • Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” • Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Mark 10:27: “With man this is impossible, but not with God.” Taking the Next Step Identify the “flooded Jordan” in your life. Consecrate yourself—set apart time, confess sin, focus on His Word. Then place your foot in obedient faith where God directs. The river will not recede until you move, but when you move at His command, nothing can hold back the waters He chooses to part. |
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