Stepping into the Unknown

-


“The Waters Parted” – Joshua 3

Dear Friends, Joshua chapter 3 records one of the great miracles in the Old Testament and a defining moment for the people of Israel. After forty years in the wilderness, the time had finally come to cross the Jordan River and enter the Promised Land. The river was in full flood at harvest time, making the crossing humanly impossible. Yet God was about to show His power in a dramatic way.

God gave Joshua specific instructions. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant were to go first and step into the river. As soon as their feet touched the water, the flow stopped upstream at Adam and the waters piled up in a heap, allowing the whole nation to cross on dry ground. The Ark, which represented God’s presence and glory, went before them. Joshua told the people, “Come here and hear the words of the Lord your God” (Joshua 3:9), reminding them that the living God was among them.

This event echoes the crossing of the Red Sea under Moses, but with an important difference — this time the people had to step out in faith first. The priests had to get their feet wet before the miracle happened. It was a powerful lesson in obedience and trust. God often calls His people to take the first step of faith before He reveals the way forward.

For us today, Joshua 3 is a wonderful encouragement. There are times in life when we face our own “Jordan Rivers” — impossible situations, uncertain futures, or difficult decisions. Like Israel, we are called to follow the presence of God, to listen to His Word, and to step out in obedient faith. When we do, we discover that the God who parted the Jordan is still able to make a way where there seems to be no way.


Pause & Pray: Take time to read the whole of Joshua chapter 3. Picture the scene at the flooded river and the moment the priests stepped in. Then pray:

“Lord, thank You for the powerful example in Joshua 3. When I face impossible situations or uncertain paths, help me to trust You and step out in obedience like the priests who carried the Ark. Remind me that You go before me and that Your presence is my greatest assurance. Make a way for me where I cannot see one, and strengthen my faith today. Amen.”

Verse to Remember: “And as soon as those bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the Jordan… the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap… and the people crossed over opposite Jericho.” (Joshua 3:15-16 ESV)

Question to Consider: Is there a “Jordan River” in your life right now — a situation that feels impossible or requires a step of faith? What would it look like for you to follow God’s leading and take that first step this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church
 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bible Study Recap – 2 Thessalonians 2

-
Image
Led by Shaun Fereday, Prison Chaplain (Sessional) & Leader @SFGH Church  (Transcribed from Tuesday's Bible Study Group) This week marked the first time we’ve begun transcribing our Tuesday night Bible studies. We’ve been recording sermons for a while and putting them online, but the Tuesday teaching has always stayed within the walls of the chapel. That means people like Stacey and Donnna (who can’t always come because of child care commitments), or Liam (who lives further away) often miss out. It also struck me that it would be a real blessing if we could build a written library of what we’re learning together. Something new members, like Jamie, could dip into when they want to catch up on what we’ve already covered—whether it’s repentance, salvation, or other key topics. So tonight, with a little help from what Joehana my wife affectionately calls my “old man’s dongle” (a small AI recorder), we began doing just that. The device listens, transcribes what’s said, and gives me...
Read more

The Baptism Testimony of Alfie

-
Image
Alfie Cox Alfie has had a strong faith from an early age, eventually getting baptised at South Featherstone Gospel Hall at the tender age of eight on 6th April 2025. And what a day it was with all the worship music being chosen by Alfie himself, a full immersion baptism (it's a good job he can swim - lol), and Alfie's personal Testimony about his faith in Jesus Christ, which he gave to a packed Chapel. What a brave young man. And the whole proceedings were recorded for others as a witness to his faith, which he allowed us to post on our Church YouTube channel.  You can click on the link below to watch the whole thing and I'd encourage you to do so as it's well worth viewing. Then ask yourself the following two questions.  1. Do I believe in Jesus Christ? 2. If the answer is yes and you've never been baptized then ask yourself - why not! As the very first post on our new Youth Circle Page, there could be no better tribute to Jesus Christ than Alfie's own words f...
Read more

Worship in Action...

-
Image
The Joy of Live Music in Worship There’s something truly powerful about live music in worship. It’s more than notes, chords, and melodies—it’s a way of drawing hearts together, lifting voices in unity, and directing all our praise to the Lord. This week at our Family Service , we were blessed once again to see the Worship Team expanding for the second week in a row . Donna, our faithful pianist, was joined by Danny and Cameron on guitar , and Emily on vocals . What a joy it was to hear them blend together in worship, each offering their gifts to the Lord and to His people. Moments like these remind us that worship isn’t just performance—it’s participation. Every instrument, every voice, every strum and chord helps lead us deeper into the presence of God. As Psalm 150 says: “Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resoun...
Read more

Artwork with a Story

-
Image
A Lost Sheep, A Loving Shepherd 🐑✝️ This past Sunday at our Family Service, we were given a real treat. Brian Preston shared his testimony (which you can watch on our YouTube channel ), and alongside it, he used a set of hand-drawn illustrations that carried both spiritual weight and a touch of nostalgia. These weren’t just any drawings—they were lovingly created by Sandra, Brian’s wife, more than 40 years ago when she was working with children. The artwork is big and bold, all drawn on A3 sheets of paper, and they brought Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7) vividly to life. The story, of course, is simple yet profound: a shepherd leaves his 99 sheep to go after the one that’s wandered off. It’s a picture of God’s relentless love for each of us—that none are too lost, too far gone, or too insignificant to be pursued by Him. What made these illustrations so captivating wasn’t just their age or their size, but their heart. You could see the sheep lost in the wilderness, the...
Read more