“…you have not passed this way before.“ (Joshua 3:4) Upon reaching the Jordan River, Joshua and the Israelites set up camp by the stream and awaited God’s direction. Much like their meeting with the Red Sea, God had to make a way for them to cross over the river. On the third day, God told the officers to instruct the people that when they saw the Ark of the Covenant (where God’s Presence was) to follow it because they had “never passed this way before.“ In principle God was saying, “FOLLOW ME AMY, I’ll lead you into this UNKNOWN TERRITORY.”
You see, AMY, the Lord understands our fear of the unknown. He realizes that we may be in a situation that we‘ve never passed through before and we‘re afraid. It may be the first time we‘ve been without many things we’re used to having. Maybe finding the right employment has become a challenge. We‘ve never been down this road before and we don’t know which way to go or what to do. Be sure of this, God will GUIDE US ON THE WAY. THE LORD says to us, “When you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, YOU SHALL NOT BE BURNED, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:2)
The coronavirus pandemic is causing CONFUSION AND FEAR for hundreds of millions of people. That is not surprising because, Many around the world are sick and many others have died. Unless the situation changes dramatically, many more will fall ill and die around the globe. This crisis has become a way for Satan to trouble us: “Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart (with fear). STAND FIRM when he attacks. TRUST THE LORD; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too.” (1 Peter 5:8-9) Jesus left us an amazing word of encouragement, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I GIVE TO YOU; not as the world gives do I give to you…
LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED AMY, NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID…(John 14:27)
-Bill Stockham