Step Into the Water

“The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall." (Joshua 3:13)

The little girl was frightened when she overheard her daddy say they were crossing the river to reach their destination. Yet, she trusted him for protection even though she couldn’t swim, nor understood their car would safely carry them across the bridge over the river. The newly-called pastor faced the congregation and, trusting God, preached his first sermon. Although the young woman was terrified of water deeper than ankle-high, she obediently trusted the Lord and her pastor that she wouldn’t drown in the waters of baptism. Faith steps.

God said He would make way for passage across the Jordan River, instructing Joshua to tell the priests to step into the water and stop. When they did as God commanded, the water upstream backed up, as a wall to their right, and the water below them flowed to the Dead Sea, miraculously leaving the riverbed dry. The priests bearing the Ark of God stood on the dried ground as the nation of Israel crossed over, safely reaching the other side. Joshua had obediently conveyed God’s command, the priests stepped into the water by faith, and God faithfully kept His word.

The Word of God has timeless promises. When He says, “Step into the water,” you are safe from drowning, or  “Go, your faith has made you whole,” He healed you, or “Believe in My Son,” the offer is for eternal life with His family. We serve the same faithful God today; you need only step by faith. Unafraid trust Him—He will carry you safely over or through everything you face in life (Isaiah 41:10, 13).