We first looked at the first test the Lord uses to develop and mature us, it is the test of MAJOR CHANGE (or I like to call it the “where” test). Then we covered the test of DELAYED PROMISE (or I like to call the “when” test). Lastly the third test God uses is the test of the MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ( or I like to call the “you said what?”).
Joshua 3:1-17
Moses had recently died, and Joshua was leading Israel to the Promised Land. You know how long they have waited for the promise land, they went through the test of MAJOR CHANGE, and they (due to their own sinful nature) survived the test of DELAYED PROMISE. And now they are getting ready to finally step foot into the Promised Land. You would think after all they have gone through the Lord would bless them with ease.
Instead as they were walking they saw the Promise Land just across the flooded Jordan River!
If you were me you would begin mumbling stuff like “what else could possibly happen!”
Have you ever been faced with a situation that you know is God’s will, you know you need to move forward, but there is NO WAY your earthly eyes can see HOW?!
What did God say to Joshua and the Israelites?
He told Joshua to tell the priests carrying the ark of the covenant to go first, and for the people to follow at a distance. God said that the priests were to walk right into the flooded river…..
Walk right into the flooded Jordan River, this is no stream we are talking about!
When my husband and I were getting out of the financial debt we got ourselves into, there was no way my human eyes could I ever imagine being debt free. NO WAY. The debt was too big and my pride was even bigger.
We did not feel the power of God leading us until we took the first step in getting help. Once we did God poured out his help, blessings and guidance from places we never imagined. Yes we had to work hard, no it did not come easy. I shed many tears, but in less than 10 yrs we became debt free.
“….and that when the soles of their feet touched the water, the river would divide so that all the people could cross into the Promised Land.”
“By this you shall know that the living God is among you…”
We face trials that we can not conquer through our own power; it is through God’s power and guidance that we make it safely to the other side.
It is then you will KNOW that he is GOD. Almost all trials fall within one of these three tests, it is not easy and in fact to our human eyes it can look impossible. But the good news is God lets us have “open book” tests so we can remember his promise.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Father I pray for every person that reads this post, if they find themselves in the midst of some trial. Be it a trial of waiting for an answer, or the trial of a promise to come, or something looks to big to overcome…Father met them right where they are. You are a lover of sinners and the giver of grace and mercy. Bless them and comfort them today.
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{ 3 comments }
Oh, this was so good. My husband and I too went through the wilderness of debt that was from our own making. I am so thankful to be out!!! God is good. I like how you mentioned the open book test. I remember how excited we would get in school when the teacher would annouce it was an open book test. Oh happy day. God is good.
Jessies last blog post..The Special Ways to Celebrate
Yeah! I have been waiting for this.
You must feel better if you posted it….are you feeling better?
I read your blog earlier today but wanted to think about it. I think it hit too close to home because I am going through some severe trials at this time. Whenever my mind starts to go wild and I get fearful, I’ve been remembering Scripture verses that I can replace those thoughts with. And it helps. I have to laugh because the link that is listed below to my blog is titled “How do you handle fear?” Interesting, huh?
Debbies last blog post..How Do You Handle Fear?
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