When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God … you must break camp and follow it … don’t go near it, so you can see the way to go, for you’ve not traveled this way before.

Joshua 3:3-4

If you’re anything like me, you are comfortable in your daily routine. You’re able to make your morning cup of coffee blindfolded and maybe your car has autopilot to the drop-off line at school (even if you don’t have one of those smart cars).

Our children think they know what will happen each day. They know where the classroom is, the name of the teachers, whether the schedule includes art or gym.

They become at ease with the predictable just as we do. We can agree, we are all too content.

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Imagine being one of the children of Israel born during the days of wandering. You’ve heard the stories of Egypt. The turmoil, the heartache, the rescue. You’ve been told about the Death Angel, the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, the manna and the quail. Perhaps you’ve even tasted the manna yourself. 

But as the days stretch into years, the memory of God’s sweet provision is fading.

The stories are so familiar they have lost their wonder. Instead, you’re now in the routine of wandering … and you don’t even know you’ve traded wonder for wander.

Until…

You find yourself standing at the banks of the Jordan River. At flood stage. And your new leader, Joshua, is telling you to get ready to pass through it.

“Um, what?”

The Jordan at flood stage. For you and me that might be too much month at the end of the money, the call from the doctor that brings you to your knees, or one of your children experiencing desperate hurt and you cannot kiss it and make it all better.

The Jordan at flood stage. For our children this might be the big kid at school that constantly harasses, the teacher that isn’t very kind, or maybe the home life that isn’t what God intended home life to be.

But here we stand, knowing we must pass through it.

Joshua says, “Keep your eyes on the ark of the covenant.” The ark of the covenant represented God’s presence and power. The ark of the covenant represented promises made and kept.

We all experience the Jordan at flood stage. Knowing this, how can we get ready for the unknown and unexpected? How can we prepare for what is around the bend?

We all experience the Jordan at flood stage. Knowing this, how can we get ready for the unknown and unexpected? Shelley Pierce #momlife #faith #family

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I read Joshua chapter one and I’m in wonder at how God lays the foundation for the experiences to come.

God told Joshua to:

• Carefully observe all the instructions given Moses.

• Do not turn from the right or left.

• Recite them day and night.

• Keep them on the tip of your tongue.

The key is to pay attention to God’s precepts before you face the Jordan. Teach your children to love God’s laws. Lay the foundation of faith before flood stage. When you hear the rushing water or turn life’s corner to find your toes are instantly wet and you feel the anxiety begin to build … stop. Look away from the turmoil. Look to God’s presence and promises. For when you speak God’s truth day and night to your children, they will learn to keep His instructions and rely on His power.

For you’ve not traveled this way before. 

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In chapter three we hear Joshua tell the people to get ready, consecrate themselves, for they would soon see God do something full of wonder. 

The people obeyed and the rushing waters of the Jordan stood still. The Lord’s covenant stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan. All of Israel crossed on dry ground as well.

Set yourself—your children, your family—apart. Determine in your heart today you will no longer wander. Fix your eyes on the presence of the Lord.

Oh, the wonder of God’s presence! Oh, the wonder of His provision! Oh, the wonder of His promises!

Set yourself–your children, your family–apart. Determine in your heart today you will no longer wander. Shelley Pierce #parenthood #parents

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