And as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam…” NKJV (Joshua 3:15–16).
The Israelites stood at the Jordan River, its waters raging at flood stage, giants lurking in the promised land beyond. After 40 years of wandering, the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey was within reach—but the river blocked their path. God’s command was clear: “Step into the water” (Joshua 3:8). The priests, carrying the ark of God’s presence, didn’t wait for the river to part or the waters to calm. They acted in “ho pistis,” the faith that trusts God to move despite impossible odds. When their feet touched the flood, God stopped the waters miles away at a town called Adam, opening a path on dry ground to the promise (Joshua 3:16–17).
Imagine Mark, a single father, staring at a job application for a role that could transform his family’s future. Fear whispers, You’re not qualified. You’ll fail. Like the Israelites at the Jordan River, its waters raging at flood stage with giants lurking just beyond, Mark faces a barrier. God’s command to the priests was: “Step out into the water” (Joshua 3:8). Carrying the ark of God’s presence, they didn’t wait for the river to part. They acted trusting God against impossible odds, and God came through for them. As soon as their feet touched the water, it was God’s turn to act, and He did by opening a dry path to their promise (Joshua 3:16–17).
What’s your Jordan? A fear that paralyzes you? A calling you’ve delayed? A relationship needing forgiveness? Spiritual laziness tempts you to stay on the bank, waiting for perfect conditions or a guaranteed outcome. But “ho pistis” isn’t passive belief—it’s a deep trust that exercises faith to make the waters stop. You don’t need to wade in deep or have all the answers. Like the priests, you just need to take one step, carrying the Holy Spirit’s presence. Your step invites God’s power to do the impossible, bringing “sōzō”—His healing, deliverance, and salvation (Matthew 9:22).
The priests’ faith wasn’t reckless; it was rooted in God’s promise and presence. You carry the same Spirit who stopped the Jordan, who empowered Jesus’s miracles (Acts 1:8). What’s holding you back? Doubt whispering failure? Comfort keeping you stuck? Stop making excuses—God’s word is sure: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2). The Jordan didn’t part until the priests acted. Your miracle won’t come until you move. Today, reject timidity and exercise your faith like a muscle. Name your Jordan, trust the Holy Spirit, and take one bold step. God is already working, stopping your waters before you see it.
Father, thank You that You always go ahead of me in every circumstance and in every situation. Thank You that You always work everything to my good. I want to praise You and thank You for being a good, good Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.