Strength & CourageSample

1,000 Yards Ahead 

The Israelites with Joshua were just kids or not yet born when God used Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. They grew up hearing stories of God’s great deliverance—of ten terrible plagues, a miraculous escape, and the unimaginable parting of the Red Sea. And then, as their season of waiting rapidly became a season of action, Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” 

God had already been miraculously providing for His people for 40 years. They’d had food every day. No clothes had worn out or sandals had to be repaired despite endless days of wandering. It could easily be argued that He’d already been doing amazing things among them.  

But as they followed a thousand yards (900 meters) behind the ark of the covenant into the flooded Jordan River, it was clear God was moving them into a whole new level of protection and provision. From a thousand yards behind, they could see the ark but they couldn’t see past the ark. God was no longer simply sustaining them. As they crossed over the dry ground, God was moving them out of their parents’ stories and into an epic journey of obedience all their own. 

Live it Out 

1. Have your parents or ancestors experienced God’s faithfulness? Write down some ways that that faithfulness has been carried into your own life. 
2. What do you think it means to “consecrate yourself”? Have you ever examined your life and heart in preparation for God to use you? 
3. What risky steps of obedience might God be asking you to take? Will you follow Him where He leads you, even if it seems crazy?