How can we trust God's timing and plan as seen in Joshua 3:7? Setting the Scene “Now the LORD said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.’” (Joshua 3:7) Israel is camped at the Jordan’s edge, facing a swollen river and a land filled with unknowns. God’s word to Joshua arrives at just the right moment—before the crossing, before the conquest, before fear can paralyze the people. What Joshua 3:7 Reveals About God’s Timing • “Today I will begin” —God initiates His plan on the precise day it is needed, neither early nor late. • “Exalt you in the sight of all Israel” —The timing serves a clear purpose: to confirm Joshua’s leadership when national confidence must be high. • “So they will know that I am with you” —God’s schedule always aims at deeper assurance of His presence among His people. • “Just as I was with Moses” —Past faithfulness becomes the yardstick by which present timing is measured. Why We Can Trust God’s Plan 1. His character is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). 2. His purposes are steadfast: what He begins, He finishes (Philippians 1:6). 3. His knowledge spans past, present, and future (Isaiah 46:9-10). 4. His timing is flawless—even Jesus arrived “when the fullness of time had come” (Galatians 4:4). 5. His power makes the impossible possible, as the parted Jordan soon demonstrates (Joshua 3:13-17). Scriptures That Reinforce This Assurance • Psalm 37:5 — “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 — His thoughts and ways soar above ours. • Romans 8:28 — He works all things together for good to those who love Him. • Exodus 14:31 — Israel trusted Moses when they “saw the great power the LORD exhibited.” Joshua will enjoy the same divine vindication. • Deuteronomy 31:6 — “He will never leave you nor forsake you,” a promise echoing into Joshua’s commission (Joshua 1:5). Living This Truth Today • Remember past deliverances: rehearse specific moments when God met you “right on time.” • Rest in present obedience: Joshua simply follows the next instruction; we do the same. • Refuse panic: delays and detours are often preparations, not denials. • Recognize God’s bigger stage: your personal crossing may be the setting for others to see His faithfulness. • Rejoice in incremental exalting: God “begins” today what He will unfold tomorrow. Practical Steps to Cultivate Trust – Start the day with Scripture that highlights God’s sovereignty (e.g., Psalm 115:3). – Journal moments when God’s timing proved perfect; revisit them during waiting seasons. – Speak testimonies aloud to family or friends, mirroring how Israel needed public affirmation. – Align decisions with God’s revealed will, trusting Him to order the results (Proverbs 3:5-6). – Anchor hope in Christ’s return, the ultimate example of precise divine timing (2 Peter 3:9-10). When the Jordan looms before you, Joshua 3:7 invites you to step forward confident that the same God who exalted Joshua at just the right moment is orchestrating every detail of your journey. |
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