I have to talk about rain again. It’s still raining here and yesterday we had down pours throughout the day. It was difficult to believe I lived in Colorado.

But last night on my way home from Bible study, the weather service issued a flash flood warning for my town. Now it wasn’t the only town, but I was surprised that they mentioned my community.

The nearest river or tributary is 5 miles to the north and west and 7 miles to the east. I cannot think of any to the south. So I was a little surprised by the warning.

The flash flood warning was extended a short time later and I again wondered where a flash flood would come from.

Then a thought hit me. My husband Mason was at work and he was on the other side of the river. It was then I became concerned that a flood might impact my life. What if the river were too high for him to cross? Would there be another way for him to get home?

Suddenly there was a barrier between us that neither of us had any control over.

I thought of the Hebrew Nation who was told by God to cross two bodies of water. Once to escape the bondage of Egypt. And once to enter into their promised land.

At the crossing of the Red Sea, this group feared what was before them and what was behind them. There was nothing the Israelites could have done except trust God. He would be the one to rescue them in that moment. And He did.

Forty years later, this same but different group of people crossed the Jordan River at flood stage. I’m sure it would have been frightening. But God had already gone before them and when He stopped the river’s flow, they were able to cross on dry land.

The difference at the Jordan Crossing was that the people had a choice. There were no Egyptian chariots chasing them into the river. They could have chosen to sit tight on the water’s bank. But they chose to follow God. They were ready to make Him their God. This was a giant step for the Israelites.

When we come to a point in our lives where a giant, rushing river is flowing before us, we have some choices to make.

Are we going to wait on the river bank for the enemy to attack?

Are we going to wait?

Are we going to step into the water and trust that God will protect and save us?

God had given the Israelites a promise before they crossed the Jordan. Listen to what He said. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 – NIV)

They had the promise. They knew the promise. They had lived the promise. God was before them. They could trust Him. They took that step of faith.

I believe we can hold to that same promise as we take our own steps in faith. God has gone before us.

And not only has God gone before us, but He has prepared the way. “Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.” (Psalm 85:13 – NIV)

God told Joshua over and over not to be afraid. To be strong and courageous. There are times in our lives when we have to hold on to those words. We are to be strong and courageous people of God.

But we are to be strong and courageous in God. Our strength and courage must come from Him. He must be given the glory for the outcome of the battle.

Mason made it home last night, but the flash flood warning has been extended until later this morning. I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet! But I know I can face today with God’s courage and strength and because of that, I can cross those spiritual flood-stage rivers. Will you join me?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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