When Floodwaters Threaten to Overtake Us

Have you ever felt overwhelmed?

Maybe that is how you feel today, but as Christians, God often calls us into deep waters where only He can guide us.

Deep waters are where miracles happen.

God does his best work when the problems of life are at flood stage.

Before the Israelites could make it to the Promised Land, they had to cross the Jordan River, while carrying the ark of the covenant. The Spirit of the Lord resided in the ark so God’s people took special care of this holy dwelling. Only priests could carry the vessel and everyone had to stand a distance back or they’d die.

So when Joshua and the priests came upon the Jordan River at flood stage, there was a dilemma. Crossing the Jordan was required on the journey to the Promised Land. Would the Israelites trust God to save them from the floodwaters?

God said to Joshua, “Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river’” (Joshua 3:8).

What?

God wanted the Israelites to take a step of faith into floodwaters before they receded.

And that is what God often asks us to do. Even though we don’t understand his direction. Or it’s more than we can handle. God often calls us into something much larger than us, before we have all the answers.  Before the floodwaters recede.

He wants us to watch him part the waters.

So when the Israelites stepped into the river’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. “The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stepped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground” (Joshua 3:17).

After this miracle occurred, Almighty God told his people to take twelve stones from the Jordan and create a memorial so the people of Israel would never forget what the LORD did for them.

Over your lifetime, what deep waters has God parted for you? Where have you seen him work when the floodwaters threatened to overtake you?

Today, remember, and create a memorial in your mind. Tell others about how God saved you. Be thankful that God’s presence is with you, even in the floods of life.