“Obedience Before the Miracle”
By Dianne Prince
“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go [cross] over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses (Joshua 1:2-3, NKJV).
After Moses’ death, as Joshua pondered what to do next, God instructed him to rise and cross the Jordan River. The river was at flood stage. And there was no boat. God didn’t explain how Joshua would cross, but He promised to be with him, giving him direction one step at a time. Joshua only received the next step after obeying the previous one.
You know the story. The first step was for the priests to carry the ark and walk into the raging waters. As they obediently led the way, God miraculously parted the Jordan River, allowing everyone to cross safely into the Promised Land. Notice that the waters didn’t part until after the priests stepped in.
This morning’s scripture reminds us of this: when faced with impossible situations, God calls us to walk by His word, not by sight. He reveals the path one step at a time, and though the steps often don’t make sense, each act of obedience opens a door. After you take one step in faith, He reveals the next, even if it also seems unclear. But as you continue taking small steps of faith, everything eventually comes together, and the blessings God has for you come into view. The victory He promises becomes a reality.
Remember, God won’t reveal the next step until you’ve taken the one before you. So today, make a deliberate effort to follow Him one step at a time. As you obey, He will make a way where there seems to be none. With each step of faith, you’ll move closer to the promises He has for you. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you cannot see the whole staircase.” Walk by faith today because your miracle comes after you obey God.
