to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. (Joshua 4:6-7 NIV)
Fear stood between me and getting a guide dog. I had to conquer my angsts before I could lay hold of the independence a guide dog promised. Thoughts of navigating an international airport in New York City terrified me.
The Israelites stood on the banks of the flooded Jordan River. The Promise Land stretched out ahead. The priests had to carry the ark of the covenant into the midst of the rushing Jordan, and stand there while all of Israel crossed.
God had to see their faith before He would stop the flow of the river. Once the priests stood in place, God caused the Jordan’s flow to cease as the water stood in a heap.
After everyone crossed, one man from each tribe needed to cross back and carry a large stone out of the dry riverbed. God wanted these stones to serve as a memorial to their descendants. When their children would ask the meaning of this monument, they could describe the day Israel crossed the Jordan, and God stopped the water just like He did with the Red Sea forty years earlier.
Many times, God wants us to demonstrate our trust in Him before He removes the hardship. The priests needed to exemplify a greater faith to Israel.
Then God wanted them to build a monument, so they could leave a legacy for their children. A legacy of their faith and God’s faithfulness. Sadly, the next generation wanted to do things their own way.
Are we exhibiting a firm faith in God? Do we trust Him in the hard times? Do we follow Him when He gives us a task before He removes the obstacle?
I committed to trust God with my flights, and as always, He proved faithful. I even began looking forward to the trip.
Each time I share this story, in writing, I know it will live online and between the covers of a book forever, even after I am no longer here.
Are you leaving a legacy of faith for your children, grandchildren, or others who come after you? Are you declaring your faith in God for all to, see? People watch us. Some watch to see how we’ll handle it. Others watch hoping we’ll fall, but they are still watching. How we live acts as a monument to those watching. Make sure your life is a story of faith.
Lord Jesus, give me the faith to do the things You ask me to do, especially the hard ones. I know they increase my faith and the legacy I leave behind. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
How can you strengthen your faith to conquer your obstacles?
RELATED RESOURCE
Many times, we just need some encouragement or a safe place to request prayer. That’s why I created A Mountain of Faith Women’s Ministry Facebook group. You can join us here.
Originally posted on May 30, 2022 @ 3:00 am