Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. (Joshua 3:15-16a)
I want to be a person who lives in the space that’s created beyond taking the first step. Here’s what I mean by that.
Until we take a first step, we can be paralyzed by fear of the unknown. What if the other person doesn’t respond? What if the deal doesn’t go through? What if I lose my job? What if my family doesn’t want me back? What if I can’t pay my bills?
We can come up with all kinds of “what if” scenarios before we take a first step, but I believe that it’s in the space beyond the first step where our heavenly Father wants us to live. In that space we understand trust, and we have to place ourselves at the mercy of God’s goodness and lovingkindness toward us.
As you examine the lives of people of faith, that first step never makes any sense. For Abraham, he was to sacrifice his only son – the son of promise. For Moses, he was to stand before the most powerful man in the ancient world and command him to release the Israelites from slavery. For the priests, they were to step into a raging river and pray that God would make good on His promise.
Can you imagine what the priests were thinking? “Joshua, are you sure you heard God right? You do know that it’s flood season, don’t you? Joshua, you’re not the one stepping in the water. What if we get swept away and lose the Ark? What if God isn’t really with us? What if …?” You get the idea.
The space that’s created beyond the first step is a space of trust – it’s a realization that you are at the mercy of God and that you’re all in. I believe God wants us to live in that space.
Where is God asking you to trust Him? What step do you need to take?
Father, I don’t want to live my life being paralyzed by fear of the “what if” scenarios that I’m capable of dreaming up. Instead, let me be bold in my trust of You. Let my life be marked by taking steps and declaring my utter dependence on You.
I’m at some of those first step moments in my life.
Me too, Darrell! It’s hard to take them, isn’t it?
Very thought provoking Seth. I’m learning that in order to grow we need to become comfortable in our uncomfort. God doesn’t call us to stay in one place all our lives, rather he calls us to move through our fear of the “what if’s” and trust him. It’s a practice we keep working at with a can do attitude.
I really like what you said, “in order to grow we need to become comfortable in our uncomfort” – I think that’s tough for us Americans… at least I know it is for me! Thanks for your insightful comments!
I first off wanted to say that I read your blog all the time and I find a great addition to my devotional time during the day. My past few years I have always found myself struggling with giving everything to God and trusting in him completely to take the next step. Recently I have taken some steps that I have felt called to make after prayer. Even though these steps had risk written all over them, it is amazing to see what God can do and how you can grow in your relationship to him when you trust in him completely.
Keep up the great writing Seth. Maybe one day I’ll see you more than just at Middle School camp.
Zach Webster
Thanks, Zach! I really appreciate your comments. I agree with what you said about seeing what God can do when you trust completely. Sometimes I think I limit God because of my lack of trust. I hope all is well with you!