Crossing Over: Preparing for Change

Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.

Joshua 3:1

Introduction by Mark Roberts: At certain times throughout the year, I invite others to write a few Daily Reflections. This week's reflections will be written by Leigh McLeroy. In addition to being a dear friend of mine and of The High Calling, Leigh is a writer, speaker, and a Christian with deep insight into Scripture and the Christian life. Her most recent book is Treasured: Knowing God by the Things He Keeps. I know you will be encouraged by Leigh's reflections on Joshua 3-4. I'll be back with you on Saturday.

Sometimes we can see change coming. The people of Israel surely knew something was up as they set out from Shittim and came near to the banks of the Jordan. They were on the brink of entry into the place God had promised them! But they paused at that place, rather than plunging into the river and forging across. They prepared for their crossing over. Their leaders had spied out the land. The officers had alerted them to be ready to move.

“As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests,” they said, “then you shall set out from your place and follow it.” The ark—symbolizing the presence of God—would precede them. Their God would lead, and they would follow. When we see change coming, we may be tempted to “get out ahead of it.” But when we do, we miss a perspective we may never have again: the thrill of pausing before the vista of something new and uncharted, savoring the presence of our promise-keeping God who goes before us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

Where have you rushed into change when you might have waited? How has God prepared you to receive and embrace his promises? What have you observed “on the brink” of something new?

PRAYER:
Dear God, I rejoice in how you keep your promises, and in the ways you go before me, even into change. Forgive me for the times I’ve failed to wait on you, as well as those when I’ve been slow to follow after you. Your timing is always perfect; mine is not. Pride too often makes me impatient; fear makes me slow of foot. Help me to move confidently after your lead, into the places you’ve prepared for me. Make me more deeply aware of your presence as I cross into something new. I thank you for those moments when I’ve been blessed to linger with you on the edge of transition, taking in the view. Keep my eyes on you, Lord, watching for your movement, so that I may neither rush in too soon nor tarry too long. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Most of the material on The High Calling is available for reuse under a Creative Commons 3.0 license. Unfortunately, work by Leigh McLeroy is not available for reuse. If you are interested in reprinting work by Leigh McLeroy, please contact her directly.