Dear Ones:
It was a remarkable day when Jesus came walking on the water in the midst of a storm, the disciples huddled in their boat, afraid. It became even more remarkable when Peter was ordered by the Lord Jesus to “Come…,” (Matt. 14:29) and walk on the water also. In that moment, the impossible became possible because of two things, the command of Christ, and the faith of Peter to obey. Why is this story so relevant to us today? In all probability the Lord will not ask any of us to walk on water. But He most certainly will command us to go forward by faith, even in the face of the impossible.
When Joshua led the people of Israel up to the edge of the Jordan River, which separated them from the promised land, the Lord commanded him to order the priests that were carrying the Ark of the Covenant to “…stand still in the Jordan.” (Josh. 3:8) It must be noted that the Jordan River at this time of the year, “overflowed all its banks.” But when the priests, in obedience, stepped into the water, and proceeded to stand, the flow of water stopped. There was dry ground, and “…all the people passed clean over.” (v.17) Again, why is this story so relevant to us today? Because God has not changed. His ways are the same. We are called to walk by faith in Him, and that means a commitment to obey him, and go forward, even if circumstances are not favorable.
Finally, when Moses and the people of Israel had their backs against the Red Sea, with Pharoah and his army closing the gap between them, Moses was crying out to the Lord. It was then that the Lord said the following to Moses: “Why are you crying unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, THAT THEY GO FORWARD.” (Ex. 14:15) We find here Moses and the people of Israel in the center of the will of God…but no apparent way out of a very dangerous situation. God had led them to this point, indicating to them exactly where they were to camp, and yet, here was Pharoah bearing down upon them to bring them back to Egypt. What must they do? They must do what Peter had to do…obey. They must do what the priests in Joshua’s day had to do…obey. And even though the “way” through the sea was not apparent, their attitude had to be one of obeying God by going forward, not retreating. This is exactly what they did, and the way was revealed..provided. God intervened.
We need to remember two words, if we are to walk with the Lord…”surrender” and “faith.” If we would see Him go before us, and do the wonderful thing, in the most impossible of situations, we need to “go forward,” believing…deferring to Him who knows all, sees all, and loves us all. “We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling, and needing more and more Thy grace to know; yet, from our hearts, a song of triumph pealing, we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go.”
Dear Father, ever give us grace to understand our “marching orders.” Strengthen our hearts to go forth in faith, nothing doubting or fearing, believing that as our “feet” touch the water of our circumstances, the way will be revealed, and made clear. We thank Thee and praise Thee for thy faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad