HAVE NOT PASSED THIS WAY. Joshua 3:4. “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.”
Crossing Jordan, which was flooded wide with uncertain banks hidden from human eyes, would have been a serious problem if not impossible for normal travelers. Sometimes we have to wait for days until the word is given, “The ark is moving.” God, who dwells with us, gives His clear signal when it’s time to move forward to places in life where we’ve never been—doing things that are uncertain to us but known to God. But first, the obstacles must be faced – Jordan!
When we focus on the evidence of God’s guidance and faintly see in the distance a shoreline beyond what we've already experienced in our walk with the Lord, rest assured that God is with us here and in the final steps of this long journey. Let us always be ready to pack up our tents and follow at a measured pace behind God's presence, eyes fixed on the distant blue carried by those God has chosen. Between here and the promise far ahead, there will be rushing cold waters we cannot cross alone. They swallow everything around us, covering obstacles that line the path to the final day. But God knows, and I’ve learned over the years to trust Him, so instead of fear, a quiet curiosity arises—what’s next?
As Jordan nears, I gaze at the ark of God, my personal Savior, with eyes growing dim, and am reminded, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” In the distance, I see the waters stop at my Lord’s passing, and the “just wet” feet of the ark-bearing priests walk on dry ground, guided by those who go before me in His way. Jordan’s water still piles up but does not block the passing of the ark, and it stops. In His divine presence, I move along with others, and we all cross safely on the dry ground that God has provided. We who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ will reach the other side. We do not need to fear, even as the waters gather and surround us.
It's true, I haven't taken this path before, but knowing God is present in power removes any obstacles that might cause me fear. I trust in Him and rely on my practiced faith, which needs to be renewed occasionally. I'm not doubting, but at times, with a little hesitation, I wonder what it will be like because I haven't traveled this road before.