Faith for New Seasons
Joshua 3:1–8
📖 Scripture
1 Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over.
2 After three days the officers went throughout the camp,
3 giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.
4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”
5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
6 Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them.
7 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.
8 Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’”
📘 Scripture Summary
Joshua and the Israelites set out and camp near the Jordan. The officers tell the people to follow the ark of the covenant but keep at a distance from it. Joshua tells them to consecrate themselves because the Lord will do wonders among them. The priests are to carry the ark and stand in the Jordan River.
💡 Memory Verse
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9
🔎 Reflection
Stepping into the Unknown (3:1–4)
Israel stands at the edge of a major transition. After forty years of wandering in the desert, they are about to enter the promised land. But before stepping into this new season, they must carefully follow God’s instructions. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant—the symbol of God’s presence—are to go ahead, leading the people through unfamiliar territory. New seasons often come with uncertainties. But when God leads us, we are never alone. He goes before us, preparing the way. Whether it is a new calling, changes in our relationships or ministry, or a season of growth, the key is to keep our eyes on God’s presence. Just like Israel, we are invited to trust and follow Him.
What recent changes has God allowed into your life? Ask Him for the grace to remain aware of His presence and the courage to follow Him.
Preparations for a New Season (3:5–8)
As Israel prepares to enter the promised land, Joshua calls the people to consecrate themselves. This act of setting themselves apart—through ceremonial washing and likely abstaining from marital intimacy—was a physical expression of spiritual readiness. Joshua also instructs the priests to carry the ark of the covenant ahead of the people, which signifies that God’s presence would lead the way. In the midst of this, God promises to exalt Joshua before the people, affirming his leadership. When God is about to lead us into something new, He never leaves us to handle the change on our own. He invites us to prepare ourselves spiritually and as we obey His calling, He also affirms and equips us.
How has the Lord equipped you for the season you are currently in? What are some ways you can prepare spiritually when the Lord leads you into a new season?
🙏 Prayer
Lord, thank you for the seasons You ordain in my life. As I step into what is new and unfamiliar, help me to keep my eyes on You. Guide me with Your Spirit and give me the strength to trust You every step of the way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
🖋 Essay
Trust, Faith, and Obedience
If you’re anything like me, you probably find it comforting when things are clear. It feels safe when everything is sure, when you can see the full picture and understand how a situation will unfold from start to finish. But when the path ahead is uncertain and we are asked to move forward without knowing all the details, it can feel nerve-wracking. The truth is, God doesn’t always show us what is next. Instead, He invites us to trust Him, step by step, with faith and obedience as we follow His lead.
When I was in my mid-twenties, I sensed God prompting me to go to South Korea for a one-month summer camp contract. I said yes, thinking it would be a short adventure. But after that month, another opportunity came, then another, and before I knew it, I was working at a wonderful Christian international school. What began as a one-month plan turned into five beautiful years of living in Seoul. Now, looking back, I realize that if God had shown me the full picture from the start, I might have felt too intimidated to get on that plane. Instead, He led me one decision at a time, gently opening doors and asking me to follow in faith, reminding me that He held my future securely in His hands.
If you are standing at a crossroads or facing a tough decision, be encouraged. God is already ahead of you, preparing the way. You don’t need to see the whole staircase, you just need to trust Him with the next step.
Written by Natasha Spiers
📜 Today’s Inspiration
“While changes drive us to our knees, God does not change . . . and so the mercy and compassion with which he has lavished mankind for centuries still flows down upon us.”
– Kathryn Butler