How can we trust God's timing as seen in Joshua 4:11? Setting the Scene Joshua 3–4 records a literal, historical moment: the entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground. Priests carried the Ark, the visible symbol of God’s presence, and stood mid-river until every last Israelite had safely reached the western bank. Only then did they move. What Joshua 4:11 Shows About Divine Timing • “when all the people had finished crossing, the Ark of the LORD and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people” • God waited until every person—young and old, fast and slow—was across. No one was rushed; no one was left behind. • The Ark and the priests moved last, proving God leads, remains, and brings up the rear (cf. Isaiah 52:12). • The moment their feet left the riverbed, the waters returned (4:18). Timing was perfect down to the second. Lessons for Trusting God’s Timing Today 1. He sees the whole crowd, not just the front line. 2. He never abandons His post; His presence stays until the task is complete. 3. His schedule protects and preserves; premature or delayed movement would have endangered lives. 4. What looks like a pause to us is often God securing everyone involved. 5. When He finally signals “move,” obstacles that once held back are no threat (Joshua 3:16; 4:18). Supporting Scriptural Affirmations • Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands.” • Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is an appointed time.” • Habakkuk 2:3: “Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come.” • Galatians 4:4: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son.” • 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise.” Practical Steps to Wait in Confidence • Recall past crossings: journal memorial “stones” (Joshua 4:6–7). • Stay under His Word, just as Israel stayed aligned with the Ark. • Rest instead of rush—Psalm 37:7 urges silence and patience before Him. • Obey the last clear instruction until He gives the next one. • Encourage one another; the community crossed together, not alone. |
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