It takes boldness...courage...strength...faith...to take the first step. It is the scariest; it will take you to the 'unknown'. I'm currently in a study that chronicles the Israelites forty-year journey from the exodus in Egypt through the wilderness to Canaan (the Promise Land). I had previously studied it several years go about Moses life and this journey. This time something new caught my attention.
When the Israelites began their exodus from Egypt after God had freed them from bondage by performing many miracles they came to the Red Sea. Nothing but water in front of them and Pharoh's army on their heels. God performed another miracle at the Red Sea by dividing the waters and creating dry ground for them to cross. I always thought that must have been amazing to see--a wall of water on your right and on your left as you pass through. And think about it, there were over two million men, women, children, animals, etc., this must have taken some time to get everyone across. Once they were across and Pharoh's army was crossing, the water came crashing down! (Exodus 14:15-29)
As they came closer to the Promised Land (Canaan) and were preparing to enter God called them to step into the Jordan River. Not on dry ground mind you--at the Red Sea God had commanded Moses to stretch out his hand with his staff and divide the water--before they crossed. This time however, he told them to step before any water was removed. God told the priests to go stand in the river! (Joshua 3:8) There are two things here. First, the priests, carrying the ark of the covenant, were to go first. God's presence was going before them! Second, as they journeyed with God for forty years they became completely dependent upon Him for provision and it increased their faith in Him. He had performed miracle after miracle now He was asking them to have faith in Him to take the first step. All of that wandering in the wilderness was preparation.
In Luke 12:48b it says From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. The journey was long for them but the reward was great. They had to learn to obey God and step out in faith to receive all that God had for them. He asks the same of us today. Every small act of obedience leads to another opportunity which is a greater reward.
There is a song by Britt Nicole, Walk on Water, that I just love. It talks about stepping out in faith and trusting God with your life...no matter what is going on. Stepping out into the unknown--that's exactly what the Israelites did...and I will too--what about you?
