Good morning! I recently shared a story about Josh and his hesitancy to ride roller coasters and thought it was only right that I would share one from my childhood. One summer we went on a family vacation to Williamsburg and although I don’t remember much, there is one thing that I will never forget!
There was this hanging roller coaster called the “Big Bad Wolf” which is no longer there. Each car had enough room for 4 people and there were three of us: my Dad, my older brother, and me. As we were waiting in line, my brother and I wanted to stay in line with my Dad, but in order to be in the same car we had to get in the line next to him which was separated by a railing. We wouldn’t listen, so my Dad did what any caring, loving, and empathetic father would do, he went in the car with the stranger in front of him so we could ride the next car ALONE!
All I remember was crying hysterically as my brother and I got into the next car – I couldn’t picture a theme park even allowing a kid to ride in this kind of frantic state today. My Dad got off the ride and imagine my Mom’s surprise when we were not with him! Everything ended up being ok – we rode the ride and safely made it back to our parents, but I don’t remember the ride at all!
Just like I remember this moment of fear and panic as a child, there are periods in my life that I experience similar emotions today! Times when I feel like the carpet is being pulled out from under my feet and I am left stranded to face something insurmountable all by myself!
God has promised to be with us at all times, but in these moments we all of a sudden begin to feel like He has forgotten about us. This couldn’t be any farther from the truth! God will NEVER leave us or abandon us!
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2
When the Israelites were in the wilderness and about to cross the Jordan River, the Bible says that the river was at flood stage during this time. Have you ever seen a roaring river after a heavy rain? Think about what the Israelites may have been saying to themselves.
How are we going to get our whole nation of people from one side to the other? Look at this raging river! Isn’t this exactly what we say when we are facing a seemingly impossible situation in our own lives? Watch what happens here and see the amazing love and care of our God!
“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing.”
Joshua 3:14-16a
Just like the priests carrying the ark of the covenant(the place where God’s Presence rested) ahead of the Israelites, God goes before us to make a way where there seems to be no way. And He doesn’t just go before us and leave us to ourselves, He stays with us as we walk through!
“The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped 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
The priests carrying the ark of the covenant stood in the middle of the dried up river as the Israelites walked through on dry ground. So not only does God go before us to lead us and prepare the way, but He is with us in the midst of our situations.
Have you ever tried to follow someone in a vehicle who leaves you in the dust? It’s annoying because it leaves you all by yourself to figure out where to go. God stays with us and ensures we see Him so that we can follow where He leads. And this last part is my favorite!
“And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.”
Joshua 4:18
Look at what happens here! The Israelites had already crossed through on dry ground and now the priests carrying the ark are coming out. God was the first in and last out – our protector and keeper! As soon as they were clear of the boundary of the river, it resumed raging as it did before! Not only does this display God’s guidance, but it also shows His protection as we follow Him!
Remember the story about the “Big Bad Wolf” roller coaster? If my brother and I would have been obedient to our Dad, we would have been in the same car with him and in his care and protection. In the same way, when we are obedient and follow God’s instructions, we will live under His protection!
Heavenly Father, thank You for how You go before us, stay with us, and follow behind us! You are our protector and keeper! Help us to live in obedience to Your Word and to follow You in all circumstances! Thank You for the way Your Son, Jesus, has gone before us to make a way to spend eternity with You! Thank You for the reminder today that You are with us and will never leave us! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 