The people had to cross the Jordan River to enter their Land, and for that to happen, God commanded the priests to carry the ark and stand in the river. From there, we read:
So the people left their camp to cross the Jordan, and the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. It was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away at a town called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by. They waited there until the whole nation of Israel had crossed the Jordan on dry ground (Joshua 3:14-17).
There's much to comment on here. First, the river wasn't at it's normal level; it was at flood stage. God will sometimes set up circumstances to prove that your faith in Him is never misplaced no matter what you are facing. Second, the water didn't stop and then the priests stepped into it. They had to step first, which means that sometimes God won't act until you act in faith.
Third, the water stopped at a specific point upstream and all the water downstream kept on flowing to the Dead Sea. This indicates the stoppage wasn't a natural phenomenon; it was the work of God's hand and it was specific and measurable. Finally, the riverbed wasn't muddy, just like the Red Sea floor wasn't when the people had left Egypt. Those crossing didn't even get their feet dirty passing through what should have been un-crossable. When God acts on your behalf, it is comprehensive and marvelous to behold, down to the slightest detail.
What is God waiting for you to do before He does what only He can do? Are you looking at the water level of your river, thinking you will wait for it to subside before you act? (In other words, wait until you have more money, more time, more favorable circumstances?) No matter what you're facing, you can't allow it to become bigger in your mind than the promise of God. It's time to act today so go stand in your river and see God move on your behalf with specific, supernatural, and measurable acts. Happy crossing!
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