I was recently sharing with some young adults at church about finding their purpose and living it out. When I asked about questions, one of them raised their hand. She said, “Why doesn’t God just tell me everything up front? It would be easier to live out my purpose if He did. I’ve just been waiting on Him to reveal it to me before I do anything.” She put words to what happens to so many of us. We’re sitting around waiting on God while life passes us by. I reminded her of Abraham and how God told him to go to a land that would be shown to him. It’s hard for God to direct our steps when we’re standing still.
In Joshua 3, the Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan when God told them something interesting in verse 8. He said, “Give this command to the priests who carry the Ark of the Covenant: ‘When you reach the banks of the Jordan River, take a few steps into the river and stop there’” (NLT). That’s always been interesting to me. The priests had to step into the river before the waters would part. When the arrived, the river was in flood season and overflowing its banks. I’m sure it was scary to step out into it. However, if they wanted to gain access to the Promised Land, they were going to have to get into the water before God intervened.
Psalm 37:23 says, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” How can God direct, guide and move you into the right direction if you’re standing still? You need to start walking towards something so He can direct your steps. You’re going to have to step into some flood waters that stand between you and where He’s leading you to. If you know every step, purpose and plan, that’s not faith. Faith is trusting in what isn’t seen or known and believing that God will step in and part the waters after you’re waist deep in a raging river. Faith is stepping out when you’re not sure of the outcome. God delights in the details of your life and has a plan for you, but you’re going to have to step into some water sooner or later to get to His promises.
Photo by Cassidy Towers on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 