Sunday’s sermon took us to the banks of the Jordan River at flood stage. Israel had been camped there for 3 days, following 40 MORE years of marching through the desert. Nearly a million people were supposed to get across this uncrossable river–that was God’s plan. His goal in this 3-day wait at the bank of the uncrossable, the brink of the impossible was the same as his goal every day: He wants us to find ourselves at the end of ourselves, out of options, totally reliant on him.
For most of us, that’s easy to talk about. We know all the right things to say, have a few examples of our radical obedience ready to pull out and show off. But if we’re gut-level honest, most of us are scared spitless when we find our tent and tribe on the banks of that river. There is fear in our hearts and fear in the camp.
We look like a 22-month old boy experiencing his first serious thunderstorm.
Charlie wasn’t one bit pleased with the sights and sounds of the storm. Fear gripped him hard, and he needed to be held, to be consoled and comforted, to know that someone was with him in the storm.
God does some of his best work at the bank of the uncrossable. He shows his incomparable power, his ability to deliver. But like with the people of Israel, he often calls us to step into the river before he begins to part the water.
A career change. A new relationship. Leaving the nest. Diving back into the work force. Ending a relationship. Deciding to tell him. Asking for forgiveness. Being generous. Opening your home. Opening your heart.
Fear? Heck yeah. By the bucket; by the bushel. But God is faithful, and he is the God who makes a way. Even if the way lies through the uncrossable river.
You ought to give this a listen. Then ask God what your next step is, and step out in faith.
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