And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the Ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap. ~ Joshua 3:13 NKJV
For nearly 500 years, God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey burned in the Israelites’ hearts, a hope passed from Abraham right down to a nation wandering in the desert. Now, they stood at the Jordan River, its waters raging at flood stage, with giants lurking in the land beyond. The promise seemed impossible—how could they cross a flooded river or face such enemies? Yet God spoke through Joshua: when the priests, carrying the ark of His presence, step into the water, the river will stop (Joshua 3:13). This wasn’t blind hope or wishful thinking. It was “ho pistis,” the faith that trusts God’s word over raging waters and towering obstacles.
What promise has God given you? A calling to serve? Healing for a broken body or a broken heart? Restoration of a relationship or a dream? Like the Israelites, you face your own Jordans—fear that paralyzes, doubt that whispers failure, or circumstances that loom like giants. Spiritual laziness tempts you to shrug off God’s word, to stay safe on the riverbank, craving certainty before you move. But “ho pistis” isn’t passive—it’s a deep trust that believes God will do the impossible. The priests didn’t see the waters part first; they trusted God’s promise to part the waters, knowing His presence led the way.
God’s word is sure. He promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), and “I will go before you and level the exalted places” (Isaiah 45:2). Your Jordans don’t intimidate Him. Stop wavering—don’t let doubt or comfort keep you stuck. Trusting God means anchoring your heart to His promises, even when the waters rage. The Israelites’ 40 years of wandering ended when they believed God enough to prepare for action. Today, reject timidity. Name the promise God has spoken, whether through scripture or His Spirit, and hold fast. He’s already moving, ready to stop your Jordan before you see the waters part. Trust Him, and get ready to step out.
So, go on, believe God’s Word despite the raging waters around you or the giants that stand in your way.
Father, thank You for Your great promises. Thank You that not one fails. Thank You for always going ahead of me to clear the way and smooth the rough paths. Please, increase my faith that I might believe You for greater and mightier things. Help me always to remember that You lead the way and that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.