How can we trust God's presence when facing obstacles, like the Israelites did? Facing the Swollen River Israel’s journey paused at the flood-stage Jordan. Every eye was on the priests carrying the ark—the visible reminder that God Himself was with them. “See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go ahead of you into the Jordan.” What the Verse Shows Us • “See…” – God invites faith-filled attention, not fear. • “Ark of the covenant” – tangible symbol of His unbreakable promises. • “Lord of all the earth” – His authority is limitless; no obstacle outmuscles His rule. • “Will go ahead of you” – His presence is not merely beside us; He leads the way. • “Into the Jordan” – God steps first into the very barrier that blocks His people. Timeless Truths About God’s Presence • He leads before commanding us to follow (Exodus 13:21). • He stands between His people and danger (Exodus 14:19–20). • He never abandons those who trust Him (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). • He is equally Lord on dry ground and in deep waters (Psalm 93:3–4). Connecting the Dots to Christ • Jesus is “Immanuel—God with us” (Matthew 1:23) and promises, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). • At the cross He stepped into the flood of sin’s judgment, clearing the way to eternal life (Colossians 2:13–15). Lessons for Our Obstacles Today • Obstacles are often confirmation, not contradiction, of God’s guidance. • God’s presence is a fact anchored in His character, not a feeling fluctuating with circumstances. • When God says move, the river becomes a roadway at the moment of obedient footing (Joshua 3:15–16). • Remembering past deliverance fuels current courage. Practical Steps to Walk in Confidence 1. Fix your eyes on the Lord, not the river. Open Scripture daily to keep His promises in view. 2. Step out in obedience even while the waters still appear threatening. Faith acts on God’s word, not on visible guarantees. 3. Rehearse testimonies of God’s faithfulness—yours and others’—to silence fear’s narrative. 4. Speak truth aloud: “The Lord of all the earth goes before me.” 5. Expect God to reveal new facets of His power exactly where resistance seems strongest. Echoes of the Same Promise • Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” • Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” • 2 Chronicles 20:17 – “You need not fight this battle… the LORD is with you.” • Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” God’s presence does not eliminate rivers; it parts them. |
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