We Have Never Passed This Way Before

Joshua 3.1-5

As we walk with the LORD, He brings us into new territory, givpingp us new opportunities to trust Him and new opportunities to serve Him.

Israel had wandered around in the desert for 40 years. Now they were going into the Promised Land, the land the LORD God had swore on oath to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

They needed to cross the Jordan River first. This event in Israel's history was a defining moment for the new generation of understanding God's power and His ability to take care of His people.

This is a way of God: to display His power and His love as He leads us through impossibilities and on into new ground of serving Him.

The LORD does not map out our whole life for us to see. He orders our steps. he gives us installments as we obey Him and move into the things
 He has planned for us to do.

* Joseph 17 years old was the favorite son and a dreamer.
The next 13 years he was a slave and a prisoner (for crimes he did not commit).
The rest of his life he served as Egypt's ruler next to Pharaoh!

Moses 40 years in the palace of Pharaoh
40 years as a shepherd because he was a fugitive.
40 years leading God's people across the desert.

Joshua 40 years in Egyptian bondage/slavery.
40 years as Moses aide across the desert.
At 80 leading Israel into the Promised Land.

What might appeared to be detours and wasted years , filled with pain was God working in all these things with incredible order and precision. The same is true with your life today!

So Joshua is leading now. Joseph bones are being carried along so he can buried in the Promise Land. Moses is buried on Mount Nebo. Joshua is at the helm. God has encouraged him and they are ready to move!

3.15 God brought the Nation of Israel into the land He promised to give them when the Jordan River was at flood stage!

The question could be asked, "Wouldn't it be better to wait until the river subsided after the flood season ended?" That way they could wade through the water. Human reasoning prevents people from obeying God. Leaning on our understanding is a sure way to not trust God's Word.

The LORD often brings us through overwhelming circumstances when He is getting ready to open up new territory for us. Traveling to a new place spiritually is not always a pleasure trip. It is often through circumstances we would never choose for ourselves.
So it was in the Exodus out of Egypt,
So it was in the Entrance into the Promised Land.
So it is with almost every departure and entrance into God's Will today.

Crossing into new land always has challenges. The 2 1/2 tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manessah  which asked their inheritance to  be on this side of the Jordan demonstrate the human desire to settle in, to not progress, to not push ourselves beyond our limitations.

The LORD brings His people to rivers to cross many times at flood stages. When we think the desert is behind us then a river shows up! Relax the LORD knows what He is doing!
He gave faith for this miracle.
He gave strength for the journey.
He gave hope for the future.

Psalm 114

vs.6-8 The priests went ahead of them.
Jesus is our great high priest.
He has gone ahead of us.
He was tempted like we are yet was without sin. 
He sympathizes with our weaknesses.

We have never passed this way before.

What river does the LORD have in your Path for you to cross today? What obstacles to overcome? 

Look to the other side. See what He has promised! Let's go!


ath for you to cross 




* Joseph 17 years as the favorite son and a dreamer