A lesson in trusting

Have you ever had a problem or a dark time in your life when you didn't know which way to go, you didn't know what to do? Perhaps there were many possible directions but as you analyzed each of them, you were left with confusion. Any way you went it seemed that you could encounter more potential problems or issues. In those cases what do you do?

I believe in the narrative of Joshua 3 we have some good counsel. Though they knew where they were going (to the Promised Land) they didn't know how they were going to get there, and they were certainly aware of all the obstacles ahead of them. The first was the River Jordan. How do they get this mob of people safely across the river and prepared for the ensuing battles they were sure to have?

God's counsel to them could be summarized in two points. The first was to position themselves as followers. God told the priests to carry the ark of the covenant and pass before the people. The people were to come behind the ark - the symbol of God's presence, distancing themselves from it so that they would know the way to go.

As a teacher I have led many groups of children from place to place. A common phenomenon when leading children is that they like to pass you up. They begin following but before you know it they have taken the lead. I think God's instructions to Israel insured that this didn't happen to them. They were to take a position at a distance behind the ark so that they would always be in the position of follower. This is the only position we can take when we are seeking direction or when we find ourselves in one of life's dark valleys.

The second point that is helpful in these times is that we have to take steps of faith. I like to say, "we have to put our toe in the water". Until the priests walked to the Jordan and actually put their feet in the water, nothing would happen. But when they in faith and obedience took that first step, then the Lord acted, and the way into the Promised Land became clear.

Sometimes in these dark times we freeze. We want to know all the details. We want to know how everything will work out, but God doesn't work that way. He says, "Get behind me and follow. Take one step at a time, and as you follow I will reveal to you the next step." Though we don't like to live that way - we so much love to be in control - that is the way the Lord wants us to live. Take that step of faith and from there alone you will be able to see the next step the Lord has planned for you.

Are you going through a dark valley? Is the path you should take unclear? Then God's Word counsels you to take your place as a follower, and take one step of faith at a time. With each step believe that the Lord will shine His light on your path, and lead you to a good place.