BEYOND A BOAT

READING: JOSHUA 3:11-17

Verse 17: "Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan.” 

Here is the scene in Joshua, Chapter 3. The Israelites have agreed that the Promised Land is theirs to take. Joshua is preparing them to cross over, and gives them instructions about how to proceed. All is ready except for one complication. The Jordan River, which was swollen and flooded, was before them as a major obstacle to their progress. There was nothing they could do. The situation was entirely beyond their control. The Israelites were not in control, but their God was fully in control. His response was to hold up the water of the Jordan so that the people of God were able to walk across on the river bottom. What was an insurmountable problem to the Hebrews, was a circumstance made to order for the Lord to prove His faithfulness. I suppose it can be said that an insurmountable problem for them, was an “insurmountable opportunity” for their God. The lesson here is very pointed. When things seem out of control we don’t have to be fearful, worried or stymied. Instead, we can look to God and accept those times as opportunities granted to us for Him to prove His faithfulness. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would you have thought while walking across the river bed?

2. What will you do in your next out of control situation?