In Chapter 1 of the Book of Joshua, God called Joshua to lead the Israelites into the promised land. It was a divine appointment, a call to embrace a life filled with God's blessings and promises. Just as Joshua answered this call, it beckons us to reflect on our own response to God's calling. When does one meet with God? The answer is clear: "Early in the morning." Throughout history, many notable figures, from Adam and Eve to Moses, Job, and even Jesus, sought God in the early hours.

Chapter 3 of Joshua begins with Joshua preparing the people to cross over the Jordan River, a journey that holds profound spiritual significance. The river Jordan serves as a powerful metaphor, depicting both salvation through the Cross and the act of crossing over into a Spirit-filled life. Here, we learn a valuable lesson: God will not force anyone to cross over; it is a personal choice. You can have as much or as little of the Spirit-filled life as you desire.

To live a spiritually victorious Christian life, it begins with a determination to cross over, as exemplified by individuals like Chuck Smith, Dwight Moody, Spurgeon, Billy Graham, and the Apostle Paul. Just as the Gaddites, Rubenites, and the Half Tribe of Manasseh never crossed over, many today remain uninterested in spiritual matters. However, for those who choose to cross over, there is an important period of preparation.

After three days of waiting, the officers of the Israelites issued a command: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it." This waiting period underscores the significance of crucifying the flesh, for impatience can lead to hasty actions. We can see this impatience in Joshua's sending of spies into Jericho in Chapter 2, where trust in God's plan would have avoided unnecessary risks.

For three days, the Israelites had to die to their fleshly desires and wait on God. The flesh often cries, "I want it, and I want it now!" But to enter into our spiritual rest, we must operate in the Spirit. Chapter 3 reiterates the importance of remaining in the presence of God, symbolized by the ark of the covenant. To experience the Power, Provision, and Promises of God, we must remain in His presence, attending church, reading the Bible, praying, and engaging in fellowship.

Preparation involves sanctification or setting oneself apart for holy use. People often express a desire to be used by the Holy Spirit but are unwilling to make personal changes. In the pursuit of a spiritually victorious life, one must be willing to cut off access to sinful influences, such as alcohol, inappropriate media, or ungodly music. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin that ensnares us to run the race with endurance.

The crossing of the Jordan River is significant. The priests, not the spies, engineers, or soldiers, led the way. The Jordan River, like our spiritual journey, can be turbulent and challenging, but God commands us to stand in it, take a step of faith, and prepare to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit.

This journey across the Jordan is not without its challenges, as it is a running river that overflows its banks, much like life's trials that seek to sweep us away. However, standing in the river, taking a step of faith, is an act of obedience and trust in God.

If we want to live a victorious Christian life, we must be ready to take steps of faith. Starting a church, moving to a new location, or making significant decisions all require a step of faith. We must always be willing to take these steps, trusting that God is with us.

In Joshua 3, as the priests bore the ark of the covenant, the waters of the Jordan River miraculously stood still, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. This miracle serves as a powerful reminder that faith is essential to experiencing the wonders of God. The water will not part if we stand on the shore, so we must walk by faith and take steps of faith.

The crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3 provides valuable lessons for our Christian journey. We must determine to cross over, crucify the flesh, remain in God's presence, be ready to catch the wind of the Holy Spirit, sanctify ourselves, gain faith, and walk by faith. Just as the Israelites crossed the Jordan and witnessed God's miraculous intervention, we too can experience the wonders of God when we step out in faith. Let us remember that promotion comes from God, and by obeying His call, we can find ourselves in positions we never imagined, just as Pastor Allen Victor serves at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville.

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