Expect Delays

FAITH SOMETIMES REQUIRE US TO WAIT
(Read Joshua 3:1-2a NKJ)

“Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over. (2) So it was, after three days,

The spies had returned from Jericho and given a favorable report. Joshua orders the Israelites to move to the edge of the Jordan River and wait for further instructions. The Israelites were to wait when waiting was difficult. Those three days of waiting at the Jordan River were days of preparation for crossing it. The issue of waiting is seen in the first phrase of verse two, “So it was, after three days.”

As they waited they no doubt became increasingly aware that crossing the Jordan River was impossible. The Jordan River was about 100 ft. wide and 150 feet deep most of the year, but during the spring it was usually at flood stage, and as the Children of Israel stood at the rivers edge, they faced a river that was up to a mile wide. As they faced the difficulties, there had to be many conflicting suggestions being offered. Some of them no doubt were saying, “Let’s go back!” Some were saying, “Hey it looks pretty good on this side of the river to me.” Some no doubt examined the various ways of crossing the river. They could not swim across. They couldn’t build enough rafts or boats to transport over a million people. They did not have time to build a bridge. There was only one way around their problem and that was to go through the Jordan River.  The Israelites faced what might have seemed to some hopeless, but I have two words I want you to say with me “But God.”  

Although they faced tremendous difficulties they knew that God would show his power. It is never about what we can do, it is always about what the Lord is able to do. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians (3:20) ”Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”

Have you ever seen those flashing electronic signs on the highway which say, “Expect Delays!” When we see them we become frustrated, holler out “Oh shoot” (or at least that’s what I hope you say), and maybe even hit our steering wheel.  As we walk out this journey I say to you “Expect Delays!” But always keep in mind delay is not a prerequisite for denial.   God is working things out for you.