Walking the Path of Promise Through Faith and Action
Summary
Today’s focus is on how to walk the path of promise—how to move from simply knowing about God’s purpose for your life to actually experiencing and possessing it. Looking at Joshua chapter 3, we see Israel standing at the edge of the Jordan River, facing a seemingly impossible obstacle between them and the land God had promised. The journey into God’s promise is not passive; it requires faith in action, a willingness to follow God’s lead, and a heart set apart for Him.
God’s blessings and purposes are not simply handed to us; they are gifts that must be pursued and possessed. Just as Israel had to step into the unknown, we too must move forward even when the way is unclear or the obstacles seem insurmountable. Faith is not just believing God can do something, but acting on that belief—stepping into the water before it parts, trusting that God is good and that His intentions for us are good, even when we can’t see the outcome.
Following God’s lead means positioning ourselves to see where He is moving and refusing to run ahead or lag behind. We must be attentive, keeping our eyes on Him, because we have not been this way before. The path to God’s promise is rarely straight or easy; it often winds through challenges and delays, not because God is withholding, but because He knows what we are ready for and what would overwhelm us if given too soon.
Consecration is essential. Before Israel could enter the promised land, they had to set themselves apart, preparing their hearts and lives for what God was about to do. This means being willing, available, and committed to God’s plan, even when it requires letting go of comfort, convenience, or cultural approval. Holiness is not about perfection, but about being set apart for God’s purposes, refusing to compromise with the world’s ways.
Finally, stepping out in faith is non-negotiable. The miracle of the Jordan did not happen until the priests’ feet touched the water. God meets us at the point of our obedience, not before. The obstacles between us and God’s promise are real, but they are not greater than God’s power. When we follow, consecrate, and step out, God moves the chaos and makes a way where there was none.
Key Takeaways
- Faith Requires Action, Not Just Belief
Faith is not merely intellectual agreement with God’s promises; it is demonstrated by our willingness to act on what we believe, especially when circumstances are uncertain or challenging. The true test of faith is found in our response during crisis—do we move forward in obedience, or do we hesitate and retreat? Our actions reveal the depth of our trust in God’s character and His intentions for us. [16:20]
- God’s Path Is Not Always Straight, But It Is Always Good
The journey to God’s promise often involves detours, delays, and unexpected obstacles. These are not signs of God’s absence, but of His wisdom—He knows what we are ready for and what would harm us if given too soon. Trusting God means following even when the route doesn’t make sense, believing that He is leading us to a place of blessing prepared specifically for us. [31:49]
- Consecration Prepares Us for God’s Wonders
Before stepping into promise, we must set ourselves apart—willing, available, and committed to God’s will above all else. Consecration is about removing anything that would hinder our relationship with God or our readiness to respond to His call. The depth of our consecration often determines the depth of our experience of God’s wonders and blessings. [33:36]
- Obedience Precedes the Miracle
The waters of the Jordan did not part until the priests stepped in; God’s provision and breakthrough often come after, not before, we take the step of faith. This principle challenges us to move forward even when the outcome is not guaranteed, trusting that God will meet us in our obedience. The miracle is often waiting on the other side of our willingness to get our feet wet. [39:15]
- God Interrupts Chaos Where Human Strength Fails
At the place called Adam, God stopped the chaotic waters, symbolizing His power to intervene where humanity is powerless. The obstacles and chaos that threaten to keep us from God’s promise are no match for His authority. When we reach the end of our ability, God’s grace and power are revealed, making a way for us to enter into all He has prepared. [43:33]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to Joshua 3
[03:00] - Reading the Passage
[10:03] - God’s Promise and Our Response
[13:12] - The Path to Possessing God’s Gift
[16:20] - Faith: Belief and Action
[17:31] - Trusting God’s Goodness
[21:08] - The Danger of Doing It Our Way
[23:27] - Recognizing and Following God’s Voice
[25:56] - The Challenge of Walking the Path
[27:38] - God’s Way Is Simple, Not Easy
[28:54] - Point 1: Follow God’s Lead
[33:36] - Point 2: Consecrate Yourself
[39:15] - Point 3: Step Out in Faith
[43:33] - God Stops the Chaos
[45:13] - Trusting God to Move Obstacles
[46:03] - Closing Prayer
[48:12] - Final Encouragement and Giving
[49:17] - Giving as Worship
[51:20] - Generosity and Good Works
[53:11] - Blessing and Dismissal
[57:58] - Farewell and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Walking the Path of Promise (Joshua 3)
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### Bible Reading
Joshua 3:1-17 (ESV)
[Read aloud as a group]
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### Observation Questions
1. What instructions did Joshua give the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River? ([33:36])
2. According to the passage, what was the role of the Ark of the Covenant as the people prepared to cross the river? ([28:54])
3. When did the waters of the Jordan stop flowing, and what does the text say about the timing of the miracle? ([39:15])
4. What does the text say about the condition of the Jordan River at the time of crossing? ([39:15])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God required the Israelites to consecrate themselves before experiencing His wonders? What does this say about the relationship between preparation and experiencing God’s promises? ([33:36])
2. The sermon says, “Faith is only faith when you believe and you act according to your belief.” How does this definition of faith challenge common ideas about what it means to trust God? ([16:20])
3. The Ark of the Covenant led the way, and the people were told to keep their eyes on it because “you have not passed this way before.” What does this teach about following God into unknown situations? ([28:54])
4. The miracle at the Jordan didn’t happen until the priests stepped into the water. What does this reveal about the connection between obedience and God’s intervention? ([39:15])
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### Application Questions
1. The Israelites had to step into the water before it parted. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is asking you to “get your feet wet” before you see the outcome? What would it look like to take that first step? ([39:15])
2. Consecration meant setting themselves apart for God’s purposes. Are there specific habits, relationships, or attitudes in your life that you sense God is asking you to set aside so you can be more available to Him? What is one step you can take this week? ([33:36])
3. The sermon mentioned that God’s path is rarely straight and often includes delays or detours. Can you share a time when God’s timing or route didn’t make sense to you? How did you respond, and what did you learn? ([31:49])
4. The people had to keep their eyes on the Ark to know where to go. What are some practical ways you can “keep your eyes on God” in your daily life, especially when facing uncertainty? ([28:54])
5. The sermon challenged us to act on what we believe, not just agree with it. Is there a promise of God you believe in your mind but have not acted on? What is holding you back, and what would obedience look like? ([16:20])
6. The obstacles between you and God’s promise are real, but not greater than God’s power. What is one obstacle you are currently facing, and how can you invite God into that situation this week? ([43:33])
7. The pastor said, “The only thing that can stop you from possessing God’s purpose for your life and from receiving God’s promise is you.” Is there a step of faith or obedience you’ve been avoiding? What support or encouragement do you need from this group to move forward? ([45:13])
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Close in prayer, asking God for courage to step out in faith, a heart set apart for Him, and eyes to see where He is leading.
Devotional
Day 1: Follow God's Lead into the Unknown
God calls us to follow Him even when the path ahead is unfamiliar and filled with obstacles. Just as the Israelites had to keep their eyes on the Ark of the Covenant and not run ahead, we too must position ourselves to see where God is leading, trusting that He knows the way even when we do not. When we try to take control or rush ahead, we risk missing the blessings and guidance God has prepared for us. Instead, let us humble ourselves, wait on His direction, and move only as He moves, knowing that He alone can lead us into the fullness of His promise. [31:49]
Joshua 3:1-4 (ESV)
Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people, “As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it. Yet there shall be a distance between you and it, about 2,000 cubits in length. Do not come near it, in order that you may know the way you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”
Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to run ahead of God’s timing or direction, and what would it look like today to pause, seek His presence, and wait for His leading before taking your next step?
Day 2: Consecrate Yourself for God’s Purpose
Before stepping into God’s promises, we must set ourselves apart—willing, available, and committed to His will above all else. Consecration means letting go of anything that would hinder us from fully following God, even if it means making difficult choices or sacrifices. Just as the Israelites had to consecrate themselves before crossing the Jordan, we are called to lay aside distractions, sin, and divided loyalties, dedicating ourselves wholly to God’s plan. The joy and blessing on the other side are worth every act of surrender and every step of obedience. [35:56]
Joshua 3:5 (ESV)
Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life that you sense God asking you to set apart or surrender to Him today so you can be fully available for His purpose?
Day 3: Step Out in Faith Before the Miracle
God often calls us to take a step of faith before we see the miracle or the way forward. The priests carrying the Ark had to step into the floodwaters of the Jordan before God parted the river, demonstrating trust in His promise even when the situation looked impossible. In the same way, God asks us to act on what we know of His character and word, trusting that He will move obstacles and make a way as we obey. The miracle comes after the step, not before—so let us move forward in faith, believing that God will meet us as we go. [42:37]
Joshua 3:13-17 (ESV)
And when the soles of the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above shall stand in one heap.” So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan.
Reflection: What is one step of faith God is prompting you to take today, even though you cannot yet see how things will work out?
Day 4: Trust God’s Goodness in the Face of Obstacles
Between us and God’s promises, there are always obstacles—unknowns, challenges, and even spiritual opposition. Yet God’s nature is good, and He is always working for our good, even when the path is hard or unclear. Trusting in His goodness means believing that His way is best, even when it requires waiting, sacrifice, or facing fears. When we choose to trust and obey, God is faithful to lead us through every difficulty and into the life He has prepared for us. [17:31]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Reflection: What is one obstacle or area of uncertainty you are facing right now, and how can you intentionally choose to trust God’s goodness and direction in that situation today?
Day 5: Live Generously and Make a Difference
As followers of Jesus, we are called not only to receive God’s blessings but to be a blessing to others through generosity and good works. God provides for us so that we can meet the needs of our neighbors, care for the poor, and share the good news of Jesus. Our giving is an act of worship and trust, reflecting God’s own generosity toward us. When we live with open hands and hearts, we become channels of God’s love and provision in a world that desperately needs it. [52:26]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV)
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Reflection: Who is one person or need you can bless today—whether through your time, resources, or encouragement—and how will you take a concrete step to do so?
Quotes
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