Journey of Faith – Shoes In – Journey Deeper

Where is God in this? Is this really plan “A?“

Taking that first step into the Jordan is a huge faith leap but so is walking through it. I don’t know about you, but my thoughts can quickly turn up-stream. I wonder when the dam is going to break and the river is going to rush down and sweep me into the Dead Sea. Or, I look to the other side and see the intimidating walls of Jericho and hear that loud voice say “impossible.”

I have some dear friends going through some horrific pain for various reasons. I know in the midst of their Jordan Journey there can be those questions and thoughts about God’s plan “A,” and His presence. That is why this story grabs me so much. It is a powerful reminder that God is there in the midst of our Jordan, as seen in the “Ark of the Covenant.” Remember the “Ark” is mentioned 11 times in Joshua 3 & 4 to highlight the fact that we never walk alone on this Journey.

This story carries me ahead 1,400 or so years to the same Jordan River, near the same place where the “Ark” went in, Jesus was baptized. He stepped in to identify with our journey to show us the way through the Jordan into the plan “A” of our Father. Luke 3:21-22 describes the scene: “When all the people were being baptized Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'”

Did you catch the phrase, “as he was praying,”? In the middle of the Jordan He sought the presence of the Father. He knew that he would not be able to do God’s plan “A” in his strength. He could not overcome the demonic walls of the enemy, heal the sick, preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God, and take the sin of the world to the cross unless the presence of the Father was in and with him.

The Father was so moved by the prayer of His Son that He ripped heaven open and poured out the Holy Spirit on His Son with glorious words of love and affirmation. Jesus’ response to the Father’s loving presence was to walk right out of the Jordan in the power of the Holy Spirit to live into plan “A.”

Jesus not only shows us what to do in the middle of our Jordan, but also has made it possible for us to experience the same power and presence of the Spirit of God in our lives. Right now, stop what you are doing and pray this prayer with me:

Dear Abba,

I confess again that my faith is weak and my fears distract me from seeking your glorious face. I pray that you will fill me with your Holy Spirit to accomplish your will for my life. Open my ears to hear your voice break through the lies of the enemy so that I can experience heavens love and know your glorious presence in me.

Father, I praise you for my older brother Jesus, who opened up the path for me into your presence and has molded for me your perfect plan. Right now in the middle of my Jordan I surrender once again my life to you, it is yours Father to use for your glory, Amen!

Believe that you have received & keep those shoes walking!