I often ask God to direct my steps. My prayers regularly include requests for him to open my eyes to the opportunities he gives me to do what he wants me to do.
Because I’ll do it – I just want to know that its his direction and his timing.
And God responds. Right before my eyes, he will give me an opportunity to do something he wants done or say something he wants said. Every time one of these opportunities presents itself, I have to take the first step of faith forward, not knowing where my next step is and never knowing how this is all going to work out.
I just have to take that first step and obey.
So the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land has significant meaning for me. God told the priests carrying the Ark of the LORD to go first. God told them he would make a way for them but, first, they had to step into the Jordan which was running at flood stage.
The overflowing water of the Jordan river was roaring down its path…..
and God told them to step in.
An act of faith. An act of obedience.
"Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away…" Joshua 3:15. The priests had to take the first step of faith and then they saw God respond. They watched as God opened up a path for them to the Promised Land.
It’s important for you and I to understand how this process works. Too often we want to see God move in our lives but we haven’t stepped out in faith. We want the blessing first and then we’ll move but that’s not how it works. We want God to invite us to do great things but we haven’t stepped up to the plate on the things we already know God wants us to do.
For example, Jesus told us clearly, “Love God and love others.” These are the two main things I need to be about – I already know that. No question about it. I don’t need to ask God if he wants me to do this – he’s already told me to do it. I find that when I’m focused on doing these things God has already told me to do, I see God part the waters for me. He blesses my steps – one at a time.
But the first step of obedience is mine.
Where is God asking you to take that first step of obedience? Go ahead – step into the water and watch it part in front of you. It will be worth it.
I believe, Abba Father, so I’m stepping in.
Judy