Ever felt God pulling on your heart to step out and take a risk? Inside everything in you freezes up at the thought, right? But then something deeper tells you that there just may be something even better on the other side. Your choice? Move forward or abandon the idea altogether. You sit on a rock and fret until you can’t take it any longer. At last, a step one way or the other. You feel liberated.
When I first saw Hannah and her friends walk across this stream, I thought of Joshua and the priests as they carried the ark of the covenant into the promised land. (See Joshua 3) The Israelites were instructed to step into the Jordan River at flood stage. I can only imagine what I would’ve said to that brilliant idea. Not exactly wise or logical. Dangerous or even deadly. We all know what raging high waters can do. I think of the recent devastation with hurricanes and floods.
As I took pictures of the scene, I remembered a time when I took a step over six years ago. I was scared and insecure, but I wanted to pursue professional writing. There was a Christian writers conference coming up and I shared my desire to go with friends. My friend Katie responded with something like, “You may just have to put your foot in the Jordan before God will part the waters.” That phrase haunted me. I was waiting for God to make the first move and provide the money as a clear sign.
But often times, God waits for us to walk by faith and step out first. That was the case with me.
I stepped out and God provided a partial scholarship and a free stay at beautiful home blocks away from the conference. God confirmed my desire in the sweetest ways. New friends. A book given to me from an author on hope. Beautiful songs of worship that I felt were written just for me. I cried almost the entire weekend. Every message, workshop, and writer I met spoke deep to my longing to write about Him. I can’t imagine now what my life would be like today if I never stuck my toes in the waters. (Thank you, Katie, for speaking truth in love. God used you in a big way.)
This picture reminds me of how we all need someone to hold onto as take a step/risk. Look around, God usually provides a spouse, parent, coach, or friend. If not, there’s a better source. God Himself. What comfort it is knowing we have someone we trust who won’t let us drowned. I love Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
My Bible study notes adds a great commentary about the Jordan river experience. It’s so good that I have to share it with you.
“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. 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. What are the rivers, or obstacles, in your life? In obedience to God, take that first step into the water.”
The first step could be anything. Seek counseling for your rocky marriage. Reach out to reconcile with a friend. Ask your child for forgivenness. Ask for prayer. Confess a long hidden secret to just one. Try something new. Or it could be a bigger step like changing jobs or moving towards a God-sized dream. Only you and God know what your next step is.
With that in mind, look at what stepping into water can look like. I found myself captivating by the sights and sounds. Living water. Beautiful. Refreshing. You don’t want to miss your chance at feeling the cools waves rush between your toes.
Thank you, Lord, for capturing my attention while a large group of 6th grade kids tested and enjoyed the waters. And thank You reminding me of a time when I stepped out into waters myself not too long ago. You simply amaze me. I pray for each reader reading this today that they might find the courage to step out in the way You are calling them to. Remind them that Your promise land awaits. Part the raging waters, Father God. Do not let Your children be swept away by the strong current. Show us Your power and favor in our time of need. And then, like the Israelites, we will place our memorial stones down in the dry riverbed and then be able to tell our children and their children of how great You are. You can do beyond what we can ever hope or imagine. We love You with our whole heart. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
great words!! we often have to take that first step in faith. it can be scary but so rewarding.
thanks for the challenge today.
Another great post! I love this terrific series of posts you’re doing! :0)
Have a wonderful evening!
What an incredibly inspiring post and EXACTLY what I needed to hear my Lord say to me today. I’ve got to get my feet wet!
Thank you for your beautiful words!
Hi Tiffany,
I’m crossing into the village regardless of how it looks. Check out Ezekiel 47. The water is rising. Your post has some things that relate to my post tomorrow. Notice what is on the banks of the river. I love stopping, looking and listening with you. God is speaking through you. Keep your ear bent toward heaven and keep writing. This is your book. B
Great pictures!
You’re right, in order for God to move in our lives, often we need to take the first step. God certainly doesn’t need our help to do whatever work He’s going to do, but He wants us to do our part (Submit, obey, cooperate, believe, etc.) Thanks for the reminder to live by faith not by sight.
Great object lesson. God gives us miracles but He expects us to step out in faith…sometimes before the miracle and sometimes after. The Israelites got their waters parted but it still took a lot of faith to walk through the walls of water to the other side! Loved the message and the pictures! Thanks for you visit by my place today!
Perfect…thank you.
Kelly
Such beautiful words my friend, love you.
Girl you have a beautiful gift of living life. I enjoy you and coming here…its a place to meet with God…you my friend have allowed that to happen…thank you!
Great pictures, commentary and devotional! I wish I could be crossing that creek with them! You continue to do a good job of combining vivid imagery with a spiritual point.
Beautiful blog! Great post! Pretty name! (I have a Tiffany too!) Looking forward to reading here again.
Oh, I would have to read your post today! I received my teaching contract last Friday and need to sign and return it by tomorrow. I’ve been sitting on it because I feel God leading me in another direction!
Hi, thank you for visiting.
This post spoke to my heart very early this morning. I am in a kind of “in between place,” a waiting room. And it seems like the door is closed…for now. I’m waiting for the breaking of dawn, and while I’m waiting, reading posts like this give me a sense of excitement at what God has in store for me.
Thank you for visiting my blog, because of which I was able to find you!
Blessings on your day.
A great post Tiffany… God always speaks through you. You are definitely a vessel for Him!
I loved the “living water” pictures… I am drawn to water falls and they always make me think of Living Water.
Still praying for God to clarify and give me confirmation on the vision He is giving me… I want to know it is from Him and not just something I “want” to do…
Blessings!
I really needed this today! Thank you!! (www.afewminuteswithmichelle.com)
I really needed to hear this today! Thank you! How do you take such great pictures??!! (www.afewminuteswithmichelle.com)
Hmm, loved this… have even spoken lately of stepping into the water… you know like the priests in the Jordan River or Moses in the Red Sea… The question comes to me, when is He asking me to step and when is He asking me to wait? Timing is everything and I know sometimes it takes stepping to know if it’s right or not.
Hope your day was blessed!
Love ya!
So true. I’ve often been motivated by words similar to yours… God can’t force you to move; you have to take the first step and then God can direct your path. Taking that first step is always somewhat overwhelming, but as soon as we step God is there and that’s amazing.
Thank you for sharing.
“You may just have to put your foot in the Jordan before God will part the waters.”
WOW…..just wow! I love that.
Thank you for blessing me today with your wisdom and inspiration……
xox
*~Michelle~*
Sweet, I found myself longing to walk in that river! Lovely!!
I enjoy when God calls me to step somewhere new. I just don’t like so much leaving “the last place”. He usually has to confirm it firmly that he wants me to change directions. The last time, when He wanted me to stop leading the ladies Bible Study, and work more with the youth, I resisted leaving the ladies until he gave me a very clear dream. He was so gracious to do that, so I knew beyond a doubt that I was in His will, and whenever I was tempted to have “longings” to be with the ladies, I had that dream to lean on, and keep me moving forward.
Thanks for inspiraton, Tiffany.
Blessings,
Kathy
Great pics, makes me want to go outdoors!