Strength & CourageSample

12 Stones 

When Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River, it was a really big deal. On one side of the river was 40 years of aimless monotony. On the other side was the Promised Land. One side had memories of slavery, sinful rebellion, grief and loss, and an endlessly repeating pattern of waking, walking, and waiting. The other side of the Jordan River held the promise of freedom, land to thrive on, abundance, and long-awaited permanence. Crossing the river also took Israel from God’s total protection and provision and into a season that would require strength and courage. God had been preparing them for 40 years, and now it was time to step forward. 

In the midst of this huge occasion, God told his people to choose 12 representatives, one from each tribe. When everyone had crossed, Joshua revealed God’s purpose for the 12. Each was to go to the middle of the Jordan River, where the priests were still holding the ark, and pick up a huge stone. They were chosen to carry heavy stones on their shoulders so that Israel could always remember the day that God stopped the river and moved them from wandering to warrioring.  

God knew His people needed to remember that day. For the 12 chosen men, their legacy was about preserving God’s glory rather than their own accomplishments. Israel needed a reminder so that for generations, God’s people would remember that He is faithful.  

Live it Out 

1. Do you have souvenirs or other physical reminders of special events from your life? What physical reminders do you have about spiritually significant experiences? 
2. We’re often chosen by God to serve in a way that brings Him glory without any for us. What are some behind-the-scenes ways that God might be asking you to show His faithfulness?  
3. Do you have a Jordan River moment, where everything changed as you decided to follow God? Ask the Spirit to guide you in creating a physical way to remember and share about that change in your life.