The Most Amazing Things
My hope tank was running on fumes. My heart was weary. I was in the middle of a rough patch, and I was discouraged.
Can you relate? That was me several years ago. It may be you today.
During that time, I remained faithful to the Lord – prayerful, in the Word, walking in the counsel of godly friends. But every time I sensed there was change for the better in the air, what I actually ran into was disappointment after disappointment. I had no doubt about the Lord’s unchanging character. I trusted Him. I often reminded myself of His past faithfulness to carry me over bridges of adversity. I meditated on truths in Scripture. But I was stuck.
Then one day, I was reading in the book of Joshua and ran across the verse that would slowly but surely bring me back to the joy of the Lord.
By God’s hand, Moses had led His people out from under the oppressive rule and slavery of the king of Egypt. Over the course of 40 years, the Israelites had walked off their disobedience, and the faithless had died in the wilderness. The reigns of leadership had been placed in the hands of Joshua, one of two men who had completely taken God at His word and survived the elimination of those who had not. And now the people of God stood in awe and gratitude with the Promised Land wide open before them. Separated by the Jordan River flowing at flood stage, the Israelites set up camp on its banks. They were ready for Joshua’s instructions, no doubt wondering exactly how they would be able to reach the other side. It would take a miracle – and Joshua the man of God had seen plenty of them.
Then Joshua sent word, letting the people know what to expect and how to proceed. Forty years of wandering and waiting – and here they were, on the eve of stepping into the land God had promised to Abraham centuries prior. Joshua’s brief words were weighty and wonderful: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5)
I saw my situation in that incredible story. I, too, had been enslaved – and the Lord had rescued me from my sins. I, too, had been preserved and kept by Him even in my wandering and disobedience. And now I found myself camped out on the edge of whatever my loving Father had next for me. In my heart, I heard the message of Joshua’s command to God’s people: “Tiffany, consecrate yourself, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things…”
That instruction from Joshua 3:5 became a part of my bedtime prayer routine. I dedicated myself each night to God’s sacred plans for my tomorrow. And the Lord did indeed do amazing things…
He woke me to a new day, rested and well.
He sent a breathtaking sunrise to inspire and delight me.
He provided refreshing, clean water and nourishing food.
He sent kind, concerned friends to care for me.
He spoke truth and hope to me through His Word.
He sent a gentle breeze to cool me in the heat of the day.
He painted the nature that He rules with an incredible palette of heavenly colors.
He filled the air with the melody of birdsongs.
He bent low to hear my prayers.
And He covered me in grace as I laid down to sleep.
Every single day. His glory on display in the smallest things. The most amazing things!
The end of each day began to be spent in gratitude for the privilege of partaking in God’s glory. I would fall asleep anticipating how He would reveal Himself the next day. I had known that it would take a miracle to pull me out of the pit I had found myself in. And God pulled it off – as only He can! My eyes were opened to the small miracles – which helped me to see that I was living in the big miracle of His love and grace every single moment.
My situation did eventually turn around, but when it happened, I was so wrapped up in enjoying the Lord, it was just another blessing to count!
Joshua 3:5 isn’t a formula for getting God to do things the way you think is best. It’s a dedication of yourself to His sacred purposes and faith in His trustworthiness to be and do all that He promises. If you’re stuck and weary from a long time wandering, listen to Joshua and get ready. Consecrate yourself, my friend – for tomorrow (and the next day and the next day and the next day) the Lord will do amazing things. The river will one day impossibly part, and you’ll find your feet walking on the dry ground He’s provided to arrive at the destination He’s purposed for you.
