GetWisdom PaperturnSampler FINAL SinglePages - Flipbook - Page 22
inadequate and scared, it seems that God was the only one who noticed his inner turmoil, because
God sees the whole of who we are, including the portions we don’t share outwardly. Joshua took
his fears to God and led the people with optimism and vision, and in doing that he created an
environment of trust and comfort.iv Thanks to Joshua’s trustworthy and steady leadership, the
people were ready to respond in faith and action when the two spies brought their report.
That optimism and trust would prove increasingly necessary as they moved toward Jericho.
Joshua knew the Israelites would somehow be victorious in their battle of Jericho, but he also knew
that something large and deep lay in the way of that victory: the Jordan River.
When something huge and difficult looms in the way of God’s promise or calling in your life, how
do you initially respond? Circle as many as apply, and use the blanks to add your own words if
necessary:
Frustrated
Worried
Hopeful
At peace
Heavy-hearted
Angry
Scared
Distrustful
Excited about what Resentful
God will do
Confident
As the Israelites looked toward Jericho, the Jordan river was in its springtime flood season.v
This massive body of water—about the width of a football field—flowed around ten miles an hour
during this time of year.vi Mothers likely drew their children close as they watched the fast pace
of the water and contemplated the danger of the undercurrent. How would they cross the wild,
raging waters before them? Would God part it as He’d done with the Red Sea so many years ago?
All they knew was what God had told Joshua:
And as for you, command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, “When you come
to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.” (Joshua 3:8,
ESV)
The priests were to step out into the river in faith, holding the Ark of the Covenant atop their
shoulders. They knew that the Living God was among them (Joshua 3:10) but were required to
make the first move to show God they trusted He was indeed in control.
Are we willing to step out in faith like this when we face obstacles?
My church, LIFEGATE Denver, is young, and many of our founding members came from
Indiana, sensing God’s call to help with this exciting church plant. My friend Joanna was one of
those people. But as she applied for job after job in anticipation of the move, she constantly came
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