Joshua 3:13
In Hebrews 11:1, the Bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. When you read the rest of that chapter, you will discover that the men and women mentioned there all did something because they believed God. In other words, their faith wasn’t passive feeling–it was an active force in their life! That’s because living faith leads to visible action. It isn’t hidden under a bushel. Without the evidence of obedience action, faith is dead.
Joshua leads God’s people to believe the promise of God and enter the land, and it would begin with an act of faith as they crossed the Jordan River. Most of the time, the Jordan was only a hundred feet wide. However, during the spring flood season, the river overflowed its banks and became nearly a mile wide. This was the condition when Israel had to cross. God brought them to an impossible situation. He wanted them to cross the river, but it would be impossible for them to do so in their own strength. God would show Himself to be strong on their behalf, but they would have to trust Him and step out in faith. God then instructed Joshua to tell the priests to take the ark of the covenant and step out into the river. The moment that their feet entered the water, the Lord would cut off the water and open up the riverbed. The priests were told to stand in the riverbed until all the people had crossed.
All of this took faith and courage on the people’s part. As they trusted God and relied upon the faithfulness of His Word, they witnessed the miraculous. Yet it still required the obedient feet of God’s people. Faith takes God at His Word and steps out in obedience. How are you putting faith into action with your hands and feet?
For more, read Joshua 3:1-17; Hebrews 11:30-40
