Steps of Faith

by Catherine Osornio
Published June 7, 2005

The plains of Jericho lie just north of the Dead Sea in Israel. It is here that the Israelites, led now by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River. This was not some little stream. During this time of the year, harvest time, the river was overflowing its banks and was full of surging water. To cross this deep and wide river with such a large group would have seemed daunting. But just as with the crossing of the Red Sea, nothing was impossible with God.

Specific instructions were given on how the crossing was to take place. The Ark of the Covenant, carried by the Levites, was to lead. The people were to keep a certain distance away so they would know which way to go; and they were to sanctify themselves to prepare for the journey.

When it was time to cross, God had the Levites carry the Ark and stand in the Jordan River. Once they did, the water was held back many miles away in the town of Adam, causing the flow to subside and making the area crossable. This was a great miracle in itself, but the Bible also says the people crossed over on dry ground.

Can you imagine the excitement of the people as they crossed over? Here they had been given the promise of this land in the time of Abraham, and the hope was carried on through the generations. Yes, there were many trials and punishments along the way to mold and shape the character of the people, but they finally reached the Promised Land because God keeps His Word.

God has promises for us. He wants us to receive His blessings. But we have specific instructions to follow in order to reach what He has in store for us. We are to have Him lead. We are to keep ourselves holy. We are to take steps of faith.

God wants us to be excited about His promises. He wants us to see what’s on the other side. I love Proverbs 3:5-6 because it sums up how we should live our lives: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” The Israelites could not see the path before them because of the expansive river; but those simple steps of faith by the priests allowed God to hold back the only thing that stood in their way so that they could have a clean and dry path ahead. What are the steps God is calling you to take?

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