Passing over the Impassable Rivers

Alex Cosio
Pastor of Hispanic Ministries

All of us in someway have been confronted to an impassable river, it may be a difficult person to deal with, it might seem to be our spouse, or a family member, a son, a daughter or a relative. It may be an addiction or a bad habit. It seems that we have tried all but still are unable to conquer. It might be a job situation or a financial difficulty. What is your impassable river?

The book of Joshua chapters three and four tells the story of Israel before the Jordan River. They left behind the desert where they wondered for 40 years and before them was the Promised Land, a land flowing milk and honey. God is about to perform one of the great miracles for the people of Israel, dry up the Jordan River so that his people could come out of the dessert and conquer Canaan to enjoy the abundance of the promise land.

How can you and I conquer and enjoy a fruitful Christian life? There are three principles found it the next verses of Joshua 3:

Joshua started early the next morning and left Acacia Grove with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan and stayed there before crossing. After three days the officers went through the camp and commanded the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God carried by the Levitical priests, you must break camp and follow it. But keep a distance of about 1,000 yards between yourselves and the ark. Don't go near it, so that you can see the way to go, for you haven't traveled this way before." Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, because the LORD will do wonders among you tomorrow."

First, spend time early with the Lord (v.1). The Lord Jesus exemplified this habit in his life. Joshua also was an early riser, (Joshua 6:12; 7:16; 8:10). God has given us the ability to present ourselves before Him. Because you and I can, let us take advantage of this privilege and get close to Him.

Second, set our eyes in the Lord (v.3). Peter asked to walk on water, and at the command of the Lord he stepped down the boat but when he looked away from the Lord and focused at the waves, he began to sink. I wonder if we fill that we are sinking in the middle of the river. Let us keep our eyes focus on the Lord and his Word for us.

Third, sanctify ourselves for the Lord (v.5) the reason is that God wants to do wonders. The New International Version translates this word as “purify.” God still does wonders. He takes a sinner, forgives him/her and makes him/her brand new for him. What a great reality, philosophies try to offer change, but God erases our sin by the blood of Jesus and makes people completely new, this is the wonder of God.

If a river is impassable; how can someone pass over it? Remember these three principles: Spend time with the Lord, Set your eyes on Him and purify yourself from un-confessed sin.