Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God…
Romans 4:20
God told Joshua to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River. (Joshua 1) They had to cross the Jordan in order to enter and live in the Promised Land. The Jordan River, for us, represents the obstacles we must cross to move into our Promised Land, our place of victory, peace, and rest in the Lord. I believe there is a twofold meaning of the Promised Land: as unbelievers, crossing into the Promised Land represents our acceptance of Christ as our Savior and receiving the gift of eternal life. As believers who have accepted Christ into our lives, crossing into the Promised Land is the process of appropriating the promises of God to our lives. Moses,
Joshua’s mentor and leader, had died. Joshua was now faced with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. Had he wavered in unbelief, he might have turned back. God spoke to Joshua, reminding him that he would be with him wherever he went: Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) Joshua could have chosen to turn back in unbelief, but he chose to believe that God was with him and that he was called to lead God’s people. We must also be strengthened in our faith by the Word of God. He calls us to step out in faith and believe His Word. What promises in His Word have you chosen not to believe? Are you discouraged or terrified about something? Where God calls you, He will not fail you. His promises are true today just as they were for Joshua, but you must choose to believe.
Heavenly Father,
The truth is that I am discouraged today. I have tried to put up a good front, but I am tired and beaten down. Help me not to waver in unbelief regarding Your promises. Give me strength and courage to step out in faith and believe that, like Joshua, You will be with me wherever I go.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
