Joshua 3

A question that is often presented by those who are unfamiliar with the ways of the Lord is: What value is there in following God?

This presents a great opportunity for us to share the benefits that we are privileged to experience because we follow the Lord. One benefit we have is a God who provides for us in every area of our lives. The manner in which God made provision for His chosen nation in the time of Joshua is a classic example of how God provides for us.

God had given these people a promise that a land would be provided for them. This was first promised to Abraham before this nation was established. It was renewed after these people had known slavery for 400 years. This promise is now reaffirmed to these people after years of endless wandering in the desert wilderness. (Joshua 1:3)

The immediate task that is before Joshua and the nation of old Israel is to conquer the land that had been their forefathers’ and claim God’s promise to them. As the drama of this experience unfolds, we see how God provides for His people.

• God provides leadership (Joshua 3:7)

From the moment that God’s mercy was revealed by releasing these people from their slavery, God was providing leadership. Moses and now Joshua had to be a “father” image to these people. They were untrained to think for themselves. They were the voice of authority, and well they should be, for they received their instructions from the Lord.

• God provides assurance of His presence
  • God’s presence is represented here by the ark
  • God’s presence would be evidenced as He worked on their behalf
• God is present in overcoming obstacles

The great work that is immediately before these people is to take Jericho. The problem was that they could not even get near the city, because the mighty Jordan stood before them. If that were not enough, the river was at a flood stage.

Do you ever feel that the obstacles in your path are at “flood level”? Take heart, for God is there. God doesn’t remove obstacles, but He does show us ways to overcome them.

• A stubborn Pharaoh
  • The plagues
• A troublesome infirmity (Paul)
  • The grace of God
• The cross
  • Easter

God was providing for Israel amid the problems of a swollen river. As soon as the feet of the bearers of the Ark of the Covenant touched the water, a dry passage was found to the other side of the river.

There are many times when our circumstances can seem insurmountable and even unfathomable. God is consistently working for us. We may not always see the path forward, but if God can split the Red Sea, He can remove any obstacle in your life.