Taking Your Next Step

It is easy to look at where we want our lives to be and quickly become overwhelmed. Sometimes we have no idea where we are going. Other times we know exactly where we want to go, but have absolutely no idea how we will get there.

Even when we have an inspiring vision, there is a gap between where we are and where we want to be. Frequently that gap seems way too big to cross. I have spent a lot of my life letting that gap stop me. One of my greatest fears is always, what if I mess this up. That fear causes me to over-think and over-analyze. Instead of moving forward toward God’s calling, I have stood paralyzed on the sidelines afraid to move.

What if our view of the future could propel us instead of paralyzing us? What if claiming God’s promises and moving toward our dreams is not as complicated as we think it is? Let’s look at Joshua again. Last week we looked at how Joshua was processing the pain of losing Moses. In the midst of that pain, God gave him a new assignment. And it was a huge assignment.

Thankfully God gave Joshua some wisdom on how to put this vision into action. God’s instruction was very basic. Simply put, you have to step forward. Every place Joshua’s foot touched the ground, that would be the land the people would inherit.

If you read Joshua 1:2-3 you will notice it begins with action, arise and cross, and ends with a promise, the land which I am giving you. While I believe there are many spiritual parallels, God was talking about physical property and physical steps. He talks about the sole of Joshua’s foot touching the ground. Joshua would have to literally walk forward, step by step following God. The sole of his foot had to touch the ground in order for God’s promise to be fulfilled.

We should never move forward without prayer and God’s direction, but once we have God’s direction, we are responsible to act. I believe many times as Christians we use prayer as an excuse to stay comfortable. In his book, The Purpose of Man A.W. Tozer says it this way, “If I ask God to do things that I could do for myself, I am dishonest in my praying.” It does not honor God to sit back when He has revealed exactly what we need to do.

Let’s look at Joshua’s example. A few chapters into the book, we read about the beginning of Joshua and the nation of Israel’s journey. Right at the start, they come to an obstacle, the Jordan River. When the people arrive, Joshua addresses them, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” (Joshua 3:5 NASB) When Joshua looked at the river, he could have seen an impossible roadblock, but he didn’t. Joshua saw an opportunity for God to work.

God gave Joshua some very specific instructions. The priests were to carry the ark of the covenant and step into the river. Then God explained, as they stepped forward the water would stand up. Then the entire nation could cross straight through the water.  Joshua and the priests carefully followed God’s instruction. As soon as the sole of the priest’s feet went into the water, the miracle happened. Notice, God did not work until the people were stepping out. If they had stayed on the shore, the waters would not have parted. It was just like God had told Joshua right after Moses’ death, “every place the sole of your feet treads, I have been it to you.” (Joshua 1:3 NASB)

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He still works miracles on behalf of His people, and He still requires acts of faithful obedience. If you want to claim God’s promises, you have to take a step. You don’t have to have a detailed plan for your next ten steps. You don’t have to know every twist and turn that is coming up. You simply have to start moving forward.

What is one simple thing you can do today to move towards God’s vision? Keep in mind, simple is not the same thing as easy. Your next step may be challenging. You may want to avoid it. But that step is the step you must take if you want to see God work.

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Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given to you, just as I spoke to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory.
Joshua 1:2-4 NASB

It shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priest who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and the waters with are flowing down from above will stand in one heap.
Joshua 3:13 NABS