Step in to God's PromiseSýnishorn

God tells Joshua, I’m going to be there with you, but you won’t actually realize the immensity of my presence and empowerment until after you’ve stepped out in obedience. God’s enables us IN the journey.

There are a few universal characteristics I find in all humans, including myself. For one, we like to go “eyes first” …this is what I’ve seen and experienced so far. We often limit God to the level of our experience. It’s hard to convince us to do something new or believe for something better than what we’ve already seen in the past.

Joshua had actually been part of a scouting trip 40 years earlier. He and Caleb had exercised faith to believe that the Israelites could take the land, but the other 10 scouts came back with reports of how big and powerful the people were in the land. As a result, the people wandered for 40 more years in the wilderness.

Joshua had witnessed how volatile the people were. He’d seen them turn on Moses. In the past, they’d even tried to kill him for his willingness to trust God and go against a commonly held opinion.

Not only do we limit God to the level of our experience, but we also measure ourselves against other people. Moses was the only leader the Israelites had known since leaving Egypt. In fact, he was the only leader Joshua had ever known.

But we’ve got to remember that we serve a God of wonders. It doesn’t matter who he’s used in the past. He can do it again and again and again! What He’s done in the lives of others, He can do in you. In fact, He promises to do exceedingly more that we can ask or imagine.

We’re human, so it’s not surprising that we often default to fear. It’s hard not to allow people and our past experiences to keep us stuck on land when God is asking us to step into the river. He knows us and He knows we don't want to step out alone. That’s why He promises to go with us once we’ve taken the first step of faith.

Reflection:

1. How does understanding God’s presence change your perspective on taking action?
2. Remember a time when you felt God's presence in challenging circumstances.
3. What fears do you face when considering stepping out in faith?
4. In what areas of your life do you need to remind yourself of what God has already done?
   

Prayer:

God, you promise to walk with me when I step out in faith. Still, I find it hard to get past my memories of past disappointments. I also compare myself to other people. God, increase my awareness of your presence in my daily life. Remind me of those times you’ve walked with me in the past and give me the courage to step out in faith despite my fears.