For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. -1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT)
In Joshua 3 the Israelites are preparing to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. They had been wandering in the desert for 40 years and were eager to arrive in their new home.
Here is what the Lord instructed the people to do:
Now choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall. -Joshua 3:12-13 (NLT)
This generation of Israel had spent their whole lives in the desert, so they probably didn't know how to swim. On top of that the priests had to carry The Ark of The Covenant, a gold chest filled with The 10 Commandments on stone tablets, while walking into a raging river that was at flood stage. That's got to be a little scary, I don't care who you are!
Here's what happened:
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...until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho. -Joshua 3:15-16 (NLT)
If you want to plug into God's power for your life you must be obedient to him in your life.
God did not part the river for the priests until they did what God told them to do. God typically provides His power AFTER we obey Him, not before. We plug in to his power by stepping out in obedience.
What is God asking you to do that you've been putting off? It could be joining a church or small group, getting involved in a ministry, tithing, spending more time with your family, or inviting your neighbor or co-worker to church. Whatever it is, take a step of obedience this week and trust God to give you the power you need.
