Joshua 3

Henry was beset with a problem. His manager had approached him about taking a new position with the company. The proposition was attractive with a salary increase and several additional fringe benefits. There was just one thing that complicated the whole proposal: accepting meant moving to another city.

Henry’s wife was comfortable with their present home, and the children were enjoying their school and friends. They were happy in their church. How could they possibly discern what was the best thing for them to do?

This problem and many similar ones have recurred over the years. How do you go about solving a dilemma like this as a Christian intent on doing the Will of God? Do you prioritize the salary? The current comfort level?

The situation Joshua found himself in is not exactly like the one we just heard. Some of the decisions had already been determined for Joshua, but there is a principle to follow. The principle in this Scripture is that God provides for His people. He provides wisdom for our decision-making. He provides for our needs in any circumstance. He provides guidance as we follow His will.

As we look to the experience of the children of Israel as they prepare for their quest for the place God had provided for them, we learn that by understanding God’s methods, every person can experience God’s provision.

• The purpose of God’s provision
  • A promise to keep
    • God had told Abraham that this land would be his (Genesis 13:14-15)
  • A people to bless
    • Delivering the people from their wanderings and travels
  • A land to possess
    • God was going to fulfill His promise to Abraham as he led His people forth at this time
• The pattern of God’s provision
  • God works through leaders (Joshua 3:7)
  • God works through visual guidance (Joshua 3:3-4)
    • The Ark of the Covenant was a visual reminder of the faithfulness of God
      • Contained the two tablets of Moses (Ten Commandments)
      • Pot of manna
      • Aaron’s rod
      • The mercy seat rested upon it
    • They were to follow the Ark to know where to go, as it held visual symbols of God’s promises
  • Today, God works through the Holy Spirit, who makes known to us the ways of God and the ways we should follow
• The power of God’s provision
  • God brings about the impossible
    • He takes care of the flooded Jordan River
    • He stops the sun in the sky (Joshua 10:12-14)
    • He lets a little boy kill a giant
    • He works in an orderly fashion
      • He instructed Joshua
        • Priests stepped into the water in faith
        • The river parts
  • God delivers His people according to His promise
    • The Ark of the Covenant remains in the middle of the Jordan while the people pass
      • Assures us of His presence in the most difficult and dangerous times
    • God’s people find safety in God’s provision

Therefore, through God’s blessing, every person can experience God’s provision. We do not have to beg God to make provisions for us. He delights in providing for us. (Luke 11:11-13)

Today, you can experience the provision of God’s blessing. He wants to bless you. Become open and obedient to His Word and to His ways.