"And 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 up in a heap." (Joshua 3:13)

"Stepping Out in Faith: A Reflection on Joshua 3:13"

Joshua 3:13 describes the moment before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. God commanded the priests to step into the river before it stopped flowing, requiring an act of faith before they saw the miracle. This verse teaches us that faith often requires action—trusting in God’s promises even when we cannot yet see the outcome. As we step forward in faith, we can be confident that God goes before us, making a way where there seems to be none.

Meditation

"And 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 up in a heap." (Joshua 3:13)

The Israelites stood at the edge of the Jordan River, ready to enter the Promised Land. But there was a challenge—the river was at flood stage, making it impossible to cross. God instructed them to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant and step into the water before He would stop the flow. Unlike the Red Sea, which parted before they entered, this time they had to step forward in faith first.

This passage holds several key lessons about trusting in God, stepping out in faith, and experiencing His power.

1. Faith Requires Action

The priests had to step into the water before they saw the miracle. Often, we wait for God to move before we act, but He calls us to step forward in faith first.

• Hebrews 11:1 reminds us: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
• James 2:17 says: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to move forward in faith, even though the outcome is uncertain?

2. God Goes Before Us

The Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence among His people. The priests carrying it were not stepping into the river alone— God was with them .

When we face obstacles, we are never alone. God goes before us, leading the way.

• Deuteronomy 31:8 says: "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
• Isaiah 43:2 assures us: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."

Whatever challenge you are facing today, trust that God is already ahead of you, making a way.

3. Miracles Happen When We Trust God

The moment the priests’ feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing. It didn’t happen before they stepped in—it happened because they stepped in.

Sometimes, we wait for everything to be perfect before taking action, but God often asks us to move forward before we see the miracle.

What step of faith is God asking you to take today? It could be:

• Trusting Him with a difficult situation.
• Taking a new opportunity even if you feel unprepared.
• Letting go of fear and stepping into His promises.

When we obey, God moves in powerful ways.

4. God is the Lord of All the Earth

Joshua 3:13 emphasizes that God is “the Lord of all the earth.” This means there is nothing too big for Him. If He can stop the flow of a river, He can handle any problem in your life.

• Jeremiah 32:27 – "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"
• Luke 1:37 – "For no word from God will ever fail."

Trust in His power— He is greater than any obstacle you face. 

Bible verse of the Day

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the Lord of all the earth. I know that nothing is too difficult for You. When I face obstacles, help me to step out in faith, trusting that You will make a way.

Forgive me for the times I hesitate out of fear or doubt. Strengthen my faith so that I may follow Your leading, even when I don’t see the full picture. I know that You go before me, and I choose to trust in Your promises.

Lord, give me the courage to take the next step, knowing that You are always with me. May my faith grow stronger as I walk in obedience to You.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.