Introduction:
By simply being human beings we are going to face struggles throughout our lives.
Some will be small and we’ll barely notice them but others will seem like tsunamis that threaten to drown us.
As Christians these struggles take on a different air.
Yes, even those who are not Christians face them but for us it is different because a lot depends on how we handle them.
The way we face these struggles, hardships, and tests determines how we will grow in Faith and in our relationship with the Lord.
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I have faced a struggle when I felt I was up against a wall and absolutely did not know which way to turn or what to do. I felt alone and abandoned. And then suddenly I would hear a whisper or just a quiet thought flit through my mind.
Maybe it would be something like – (Heb 13:5) I will never leave you or forsake you.
Or maybe – (1 Cor. 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be temped above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Don’t know which way to turn – (Ps 37:23) The steps of a good man/woman are order or directed by the Lord.
Or that I’ve failed and know that I’ve made a wrong decision or not done what was pleasing to the Lord – (1 Jn 2:1) And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteousness.
In the book of Joshua, it tells us that the children under the leadership of Joshua were finally going to cross over the Jordan into their promised land.
As the Israelites made this journey, they carried with them the Ark of the Covenant which represented the presence of God.
The Israelites were eager to enter the Promised Land, conquer nations and live peacefully. But first they had to cross the flood-level waters of the Jordan River.
God gave them specific instructions: in order to cross, the priests had to step into the water.
Joshua 3:11-13 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.
Now therefore take you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man.
And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap.
I still remember praying here at this very altar as a teenager concerning something the Lord was dealing with me about. One of our deacons leaned down and whispered into my ear – “ you take the first step and the Lord will do the rest.” I knew immediately that was the answer from the Lord and I also knew exactly what the Lord wanted me to do. I was obedient and it completely changed my life FOREVER.
There was no lightening or thunder. There was no message and interpretation but just a whisper in my ear from another saint of God.
Just a whisper or a though that flits through your mind.
It’s what we do about that whisper or thought that can make the difference in our living a victorious life or constantly feeling defeated or weak.
What if these priests had been afraid to take that first step?
Often God provides no solution to our problems until we trust Him and move ahead with what we know we should do.
Lord, I’m afraid I can’t make it or that I’ll fail – (2 Tim. 1:7) I have not given you the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
But Lord, I’ve prayed and still don’t feel any direction or know what to do – (Is 40:31) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
Lord, what you’re asking – I’m not sure I have it in me to do it! (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.
Conclusion:
What are the rivers or obstacles in your life?
In obedience to God, take that first step into the water.
That first step may be just to fight with Scripture when the enemy comes against you or to stop, drop and pray but whatever it is – TAKE THAT FIRST STEP.
Don’t be afraid of the outcome because the One who purchased you has already planned your way and made provision.
