The River of Opportunity

Text: Joshua 3 Theme: God exalts Joshua and assures His people at the Jordan Key verses: “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'” (v. 5) “And the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.'” (v. 7) “Joshua said to the Israelites, ‘Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you…'” (v. 9-10a) “…as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord – the Lord of all the earth – set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand in a heap.'” (v. 13) “The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.” (v. 17) What God said to me: Dwayne, you almost backed out of meeting with me and journaling this morning. Do you seriously think you have more important and pressing things to do than to meet with me and hear from me today? Have you forgotten Who is your source? Without me you can do nothing. So it was with the Israelites as they stood on the verge of their new and long-awaited promised land. They could see that beautiful land spread out for miles in front of them. Yet they had a formidable and rapid river at flood stage that mocked their entrance and threatened their dreams. That impassable obstacle was just the barrier and opportunity I needed to show myself as their ultimate source, to encourage them toward victory through me, and to exalt my leader, Joshua, before their eyes. You see, Dwayne, nothing is impossible with me. And with me as your source of provision, power and protection, nothing is impossible with you either. You really can do all things through me who constantly strengthens you. Trust me, try me, prove me this day. And see if I will not pour out blessings on you and through your ministry that you cannot contain or fathom. What I said to God: Holy Lord, the Lord of all the earth, You are more than enough for my daily needs and my daily peace. Forgive me when like this morning I entertain the thought of ignoring You and by-passing my time alone with You. There is nothing more vital to living this day than having Your hand of anointing and direction on it. Just like the priests carried the ark ahead of the Israelites to show the way into the promised land, so Your presence will go ahead of me today and everyday leading and protecting. Thank You and praise You, Lord, for Your awesome goodness and power on me and my family and ministry!