What desert are you and I wandering in? Perhaps we have heard our parents talk about wondrous things the Lord has done for them, but we have never seen this in our own lives. Maybe we have grown to believe we never will. Those stories of miracles and blessings aren’t for us—at least that’s what we are tempted to believe. Maybe we have moved so far from God we can't believe He would ever bless us again. Our depression and sorrows feel overwhelming. They keep us from believing that God has abundant blessings prepared for us.
God’s Promises: Greater Than We Can Imagine
"But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” I Corinthians 2: 9
The Legacy of Stories: Living on Second-Hand Faith
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Not one of the men who had seen Moses part the Red Sea, who were warriors, was still alive, except Joshua and Caleb. For most of these people the stories of Moses and the Red Sea were tales told to them by their parents. Stories of renown that they had never experienced.
Crossing the Jordan: Stepping into the Promised Land
What they had endured were hardships, sufferings, boredom, and loneliness for as long as they could remember. But now, finally, God told them that they would be making another crossing, this time over the Jordan River, into a land promised long ago by God.
Consecrate Yourselves: Preparing for God's Blessings
But first they must do something. They must consecrate themselves to God. The blessings He has for them will never come if they don't. This wasn't an easy thing for them to do. The stories of Moses the deliverer were dusty tales that may not have seemed to have meaning for them. Yes, God had saved them before, but would He really do it this time? God has saved us before (or our parents or loved ones), but will He really do it now? To be consecrated means to be set apart for God. Joshua 3:5 says:
"Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
As the Israelites approached the Jordan River, Joshua told them to "set themselves apart" and consecrate themselves. To do this, they needed to repent, put God first, and follow Him fully. If they do this, what will happen? "The Lord will do amazing things among you."
The Challenge of Trust: Do We Dare to Get Our Feet Wet?
This time when the waters parted there was no mighty staff raised high, there were no pillars of fire leading the way. Before, it took hours for the seabed to dry enough to cross; this time, it would happen immediately. Before, the Israelites never touched the water. In this place there were no mighty signs that a miracle was about to take place. This time, they had to get their feet wet before the waters parted. They had to trust God completely that they were truly set apart for Him. Do we, today, have this much trust? Do we doubt as they may have? Do we believe God can do a good thing, but doubt that He will? Will you get your feet wet?
Overwhelmed by Waters: A Cry from the Psalms
In Psalm 69, David speaks of being overwhelmed by water. That strange feeling of drowning that many people who are deeply depressed or troubled often speak of. In verses 1-5 he says,
"Save me, O God!
For the waters have come up to my neck.
I sink in deep mire,
Where there is no standing;
I have come into deep waters,
Where the floods overflow me.
I am weary with my crying;
My throat is dry;
My eyes fail while I wait for my God."
But by verse 30 we hear David say this,
"I will praise the name of God with a song,
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving."
Seeking, Consecrating, and Praising in the Midst of the Desert
When we are in our desert— as surely we will find ourselves at times— let us seek God like David did, consecrate ourselves anew to the Holy One like the Israelites did, and praise the name of God. When crossing your Jordan place your faith and trust in God's amazing work.
Crossing Your Jordan: Faith, Trust and God's Amazing Work - A Prayer
God of Hope,
We consecrate ourselves to You today.
We put our faith in You.
We praise You, seek You and trust You .
We expect You, God , to do an amazing work.
In Your Son's name, Amen
Comments