Stepping into Faith: Embracing New Seasons with God
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at the brink of new seasons, much like Joshua and the Israelites standing before the Jordan River. As we transition from one phase of life to another, it's crucial to recognize the signs of change and prepare ourselves spiritually. The story of Joshua teaches us that destiny is where preparation meets opportunity. God often brings us to the edge of our comfort zones, challenging us to step into the unknown with faith and expectation.
Joshua's journey into the Promised Land is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual walk. The Israelites had wandered for 40 years, and now, standing before the Jordan, they faced a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Yet, it was a time to trust in God's timing and direction. The transition from Moses to Joshua marked a shift from striking the rock to speaking to it, symbolizing a move from force to faith. This teaches us that sometimes God requires us to act, while other times, He asks us to wait and trust.
Faith is not about striving but about yielding and surrendering to God's will. It is always attached to a reward, as Hebrews 11:6 reminds us. Our faith journey is not casual; it requires deliberate seeking and trusting in God's presence. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, went before the Israelites, teaching them to keep their eyes on Him. This is a reminder that we must become familiar with God's presence, allowing Him to lead us through uncharted territories.
As we face obstacles, we must be willing to stand in the mud before witnessing miracles. The muddy banks of the Jordan symbolize the challenges we must endure to experience God's promises. It's in these moments of discomfort that God prepares us for the greater things ahead. We must be ready to follow God's lead, even when it means stepping into the unknown.
In this season, let us sanctify ourselves, setting apart time and space for God. Our current struggles are not just about today; they are preparing us for the future. As we trust in God's timing and direction, we will see His wonders unfold in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Preparation Meets Opportunity: Destiny is where preparation collides with opportunity. Just as Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we must prepare ourselves spiritually for the new seasons God has for us. This involves recognizing the signs of change and being ready to step out in faith. [02:34]
2. Faith Over Force: The transition from striking the rock to speaking to it symbolizes moving from force to faith. Sometimes God requires us to act, while other times, He asks us to wait and trust. Faith is about yielding and surrendering to God's will, knowing that it is always attached to a reward. [07:06]
3. Deliberate Seeking: Faith is not casual; it requires deliberate seeking and trusting in God's presence. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, went before the Israelites, teaching them to keep their eyes on Him. We must become familiar with God's presence, allowing Him to lead us through uncharted territories. [19:49]
4. Standing in the Mud: Before witnessing miracles, we must be willing to stand in the mud. The muddy banks of the Jordan symbolize the challenges we must endure to experience God's promises. It's in these moments of discomfort that God prepares us for the greater things ahead. [43:56]
5. Sanctification for the Future: Our current struggles are not just about today; they are preparing us for the future. As we sanctify ourselves, setting apart time and space for God, we trust in His timing and direction, knowing that He will do wonders among us. [38:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - New Seasons and Opportunities
[02:34] - Joshua and Ephesians: A Parallel
[04:35] - Day and Night Seasons
[07:06] - Faith and Reward
[10:49] - Facing Obstacles
[13:26] - New People in Your Life
[14:35] - Discernment and God's Presence
[17:44] - Following God's Lead
[19:49] - Deliberate Faith
[22:09] - Smelling Like God
[23:47] - Keeping God Ahead
[26:57] - Spiritual Birth Before Natural
[28:27] - Tradition, Trend, and Truth
[30:51] - Waiting on God's Word
[33:15] - Familiarity with God
[35:16] - Faith and Reward Connection
[38:06] - Sanctification and Future Preparation
[41:50] - Leadership and Responsibility
[43:56] - Standing in the Mud for Miracles
[46:46] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 3:1-17
2. Hebrews 11:6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant going before the Israelites as they prepared to cross the Jordan River? How did this symbolize God's presence among them? [17:44]
2. How did the transition from Moses to Joshua represent a shift from "striking the rock" to "speaking to the rock"? What does this shift teach us about faith and action? [04:35]
3. What were the Israelites instructed to do before crossing the Jordan River, and why was this important for their journey? [13:26]
4. How did the Israelites' experience at the Jordan River illustrate the concept of "standing in the mud" before witnessing a miracle? [43:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River serve as a metaphor for our spiritual journey and the challenges we face? [10:49]
2. How does the concept of "preparation meeting opportunity" apply to our personal faith journeys, and what role does spiritual readiness play in this process? [02:34]
3. What does it mean to "sanctify ourselves" in preparation for God's wonders, and how can this practice impact our spiritual growth and future? [38:06]
4. How can the idea of "faith over force" be applied in our daily lives, especially when facing situations that require us to trust in God's timing and direction? [07:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were at the brink of a new season in your life. How did you prepare spiritually for the changes ahead, and what lessons did you learn from that experience? [00:57]
2. Consider a current challenge or "muddy" situation you are facing. How can you apply the lesson of standing in the mud before witnessing a miracle in your own life? [43:56]
3. What are some practical ways you can become more familiar with God's presence in your daily routine, and how might this familiarity guide you through uncharted territories? [19:49]
4. Identify an area in your life where you tend to rely on force rather than faith. How can you shift your approach to one of yielding and surrendering to God's will? [04:35]
5. How can you set apart time and space for God in your busy schedule to sanctify yourself and prepare for the future He has planned for you? [38:06]
6. Think about a recent opportunity that required spiritual preparation. How did your readiness (or lack thereof) affect the outcome, and what would you do differently next time? [02:34]
7. In what ways can you deliberately seek God's presence and guidance in your life, especially when facing obstacles that seem insurmountable? [13:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Preparation Aligns with Divine Timing
In the journey of faith, preparation is essential for seizing the opportunities that God places before us. Just as Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we too must be spiritually ready to embrace new seasons. This involves recognizing the signs of change and being willing to step out in faith. Preparation is not merely about physical readiness but also about aligning our hearts and minds with God's purposes. When we prepare ourselves spiritually, we position ourselves to meet the opportunities that God has orchestrated for our destiny. [02:34]
Joshua 3:5-6 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.' And Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on before the people.' So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prepare yourself spiritually for the opportunities God may present to you in the near future?
Day 2: Transition from Force to Faith
The transition from striking the rock to speaking to it symbolizes a shift from relying on human effort to trusting in divine provision. In our spiritual journey, there are times when God calls us to act and other times when He asks us to wait and trust. Faith is about yielding and surrendering to God's will, knowing that it is always attached to a reward. This shift from force to faith requires us to let go of control and trust in God's timing and methods, even when they differ from our own. [07:06]
Numbers 20:7-8 (ESV): "And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of trusting in God's provision? How can you begin to shift from force to faith today?
Day 3: Deliberate Seeking of God's Presence
Faith is not a casual endeavor; it requires deliberate seeking and trusting in God's presence. The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence, went before the Israelites, teaching them to keep their eyes on Him. In our spiritual walk, we must become familiar with God's presence, allowing Him to lead us through uncharted territories. This involves setting aside time to seek God intentionally, listening for His voice, and following His guidance. As we do so, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and learn to trust His leading in every aspect of our lives. [19:49]
1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV): "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!"
Reflection: How can you create a daily habit of deliberately seeking God's presence in your life? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this pursuit?
Day 4: Embracing Challenges as Preparation for Miracles
Before witnessing miracles, we must be willing to stand in the mud. The muddy banks of the Jordan symbolize the challenges we must endure to experience God's promises. It's in these moments of discomfort that God prepares us for the greater things ahead. Embracing challenges with faith and perseverance allows us to grow spiritually and positions us to witness God's miraculous work in our lives. As we trust in God's process, we learn to see obstacles as opportunities for growth and transformation. [43:56]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What current challenge are you facing that feels like standing in the mud? How can you shift your perspective to see it as preparation for a future miracle?
Day 5: Sanctification as Preparation for Future Wonders
Our current struggles are not just about today; they are preparing us for the future. As we sanctify ourselves, setting apart time and space for God, we trust in His timing and direction, knowing that He will do wonders among us. Sanctification involves a deliberate choice to pursue holiness and align our lives with God's purposes. By setting ourselves apart for God, we open ourselves to His transformative work and prepare for the wonders He desires to perform in and through us. [38:06]
2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."
Reflection: What areas of your life need sanctification and setting apart for God? How can you begin this process today to prepare for the future wonders God has in store for you?
Quotes
"When God is getting ready to move you from point A to point B, to get ready to graduate you, get ready to move from one city to another, get ready from one place to another, one level to another, God will start bringing new people into your life. You must discern though which people God sent and which one the enemy sent." [00:13:36] (24 seconds)
"Faith is not casual, it's deliberately or deliberately, yeah it is, deliberately looking for God. If you want to go somewhere with God, you got to deliberately be looking for him. You can't just come to church, even though I'm glad you're here. You can't just sing the songs, even though I'm glad you try to sing." [00:19:49] (29 seconds)
"Joshua knew this was a spiritual problem. He's standing in front of this roaring Russian river there in front of him. And he's standing in front of him, used his imagination at that moment to get an idea of what this was going to be. Now, remember, so you've got this amazing little man sitting in that corner here and he's listening to every comment of the people over there." [00:20:41] (29 seconds)
"Sanctify yourself. Verse five, Joshua said to the people, sanctify yourself, what does sanctify mean? Separate. Separate. You don't got to move in the garage. That's not what I'm talking about. Just get to it. It is. Compartmentalize, have somewhere where it's you and God and you realize we're going to get through this thing." [00:37:06] (32 seconds)
"Sometimes right before you see your biggest miracle you'll find yourself in the muddiest places. I'm still going it hurts I don't get it just don't make a lick of sense at least I was up there and now I'm right here in front of this because we're in you like my sound effects." [00:45:07] (35 seconds)
"Learn how to separate yourself. Learn, learn how to detach yourself for this. It will suffocate you if you don't. It will take your hopes and dreams with it. That's what he's teaching us. And so we just hang on to that last word. So then he just throws out there. He says, he told them to sanctify their selves." [00:38:06] (31 seconds)
"Don't be disappointed when people are exactly where you have led them to be if I was talking to a bunch of preachers if I was talking to my staff if I'm talking to you guys as far as yourself and your marriage and your family do not be disappointed where people are exactly where you have led them to be." [00:40:00] (20 seconds)
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