Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Joshua stands at the edge of the Jordan River with an entire nation behind him. The promise is in front of him—but so is the flood. The water is high, rushing and loud, and it feels like a final barrier between what God said and what they can actually reach. The people look to Joshua, and Joshua looks to God. He cannot build a bridge overnight, and he cannot command the river to shrink by willpower. All he can do is obey.
God gives a surprising instruction: the priests are to carry the ark and step into the river first. Not after the water moves—before. It is the kind of faith that feels backwards when fear is shouting. Still, they move forward. Sand turns to mud under their feet. The current presses against their legs. Yet the moment their feet touch the water, the river begins to part. What was impossible becomes passable, not because the problem was small, but because God is faithful.
Our Jordan challenges often look like moving water—unstoppable, unpredictable, and too strong to fight head-on. But God does not always remove the river from a distance. Sometimes He asks for a step. Faith is not pretending the flood isn’t real; faith is placing one obedient foot into God’s instruction and trusting Him with what happens next.
When your own “Jordan”—is a diagnosis, a financial strain, a fractured relationship, a daunting decision—we can do what Joshua did: consecrate our heart, listen for God’s direction, and take the next faithful step. We can carry His presence into the problem through prayer, Scripture, wise counsel, and steady obedience. The river may not part in the way we expects, but God will make a way that keeps her moving forward.
What “Jordan” is in front of you right now—and what is the next step of obedience God is asking you to take?
Prayer:
Lord, when the waters rise and fear feels louder than faith, remind her that You go before her. Give us courage to step forward in obedience, even when we cannot see how You will make a way. Anchor our heart in Your presence, steady our mind with Your promises, and strengthen us to overcome. Part the waters in Your timing, and lead us into what You have prepared.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.