Scripture
"Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving them, to the sons of Israel." (Joshua 1:2)
Observation
I wonder what it must have been like for Joshua when the Lord issued these marching orders to him. He had been with Moses from the beginning and witnessed the Lord's presence and His power in His miracles and victories over the enemies. Yet, this was it for Joshua; he was now to do what no one else, not even Moses, had never done – cross over the Jordan, with two million people in tow. I wonder what he was thinking.
Perhaps God gave us a glimpse of what was brewing inside of Joshua's head as He commanded him to "be strong and courageous," not once, but three times in a matter of three consecutive verses (Josh. 1:6-9). Afraid; hesitant; disinclined; apprehensive . . . whatever the adjective, I'm sure Joshua was feeling it. Thus, the Lord's final order –
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Josh. 1:9).
It's not easy to move ahead into uncharted territory. Perhaps that cross-over has to do with a relationship that needs healing; forgiveness that needs to be extended; stepping forward according to Godly counsel that requires you to move out of your comfort zone as it relates to finances or family. Unless you decide to cross-over at the Lord's command, you will never get to experience the life that God has for you.
Application
As for me, whatever that cross-over moment may be, whether in leadership, going back to school (at my age??), if it will move me closer to the promises of God that await, what is there to fear, for the Lord God has already gone ahead of me, and will be with me wherever I go.
Psalm 37:4 is one of my favorites and a life verse for our family:
"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart;"
As I follow His lead, wherever He takes me, yes, there will be fear, there will be a disinclination to move ahead, apprehension will find a seat in my heart, but still I must move ahead. I will never fully understand the future and a hope that God has reserved for me if I remain on this side of "the Jordan." I must cross over, trusting that the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your forever faithfulness. Guide me, I pray, as I cross over my "Jordan" and into the future and hope that you've promised me.
