Follow His Presence

Joshua 3:1–8 CSB

1 Joshua started early the next morning and left the Acacia Grove with all the Israelites. They went as far as the Jordan and stayed there before crossing. 2 After three days the officers went through the camp 3 and commanded the people, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God carried by the Levitical priests, you are to break camp and follow it. 4 But keep a distance of about a thousand 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.” 5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow.” 6 Then he said to the priests, “Carry the ark of the covenant and go on ahead of the people.” So they carried the ark of the covenant and went ahead of them. 7 The Lord spoke to Joshua: “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they will know that I will be with you just as I was with Moses. 8 Command the priests carrying the ark of the covenant: When you reach the edge of the water, stand in the Jordan.”

Today, we'll explore the powerful lessons from Joshua 3:1-9, focusing on how we can follow God's presence in our lives.

Many people place the cart before the horse

We need to place the horse before the cart

1. Keep in step with the Spirit of God

Galatians 5:25 “25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

A. We must maintain our Spiritual Readiness

Scripture: Joshua 3:5 - "Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.'"

We must prepare our hearts and minds to encounter God's presence.

B. We must be Obedient to God's Word

Scripture: Joshua 3:3 - "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it."

Following God's instructions is crucial in experiencing His presence.

C. We must Anticipate God's Work

Scripture: Joshua 3:5 - "...for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

We should eagerly anticipate God's miraculous work in our lives.

2. The need of Spiritual Leadership to follow God’s Presence

Exodus 33:15 “15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

A. Lead by Example

Scripture: Joshua 3:6 - "Joshua said to the priests, 'Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.'"

Spiritual leaders must set an example of faith and obedience.

B. Provide Clear Direction

Scripture: Joshua 3:3-4 - "...you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before."

Leaders should offer clear guidance, especially in unfamiliar situations.

C. Faith in God's Promises

Scripture: Joshua 3:7 - "And the Lord said to Joshua, 'Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses.'"

Leaders must remind people of God's faithfulness and promises.

3. God's Presence is central to our Faith Journey

A. God's Presence Guides Our Every Step

Scripture: Psalm 23:3 - "He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake."

God's presence is not just a comfort, but a guiding force that directs our path in life.

B. God's Presence Empowers Us

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

With God's presence, we are equipped to face any challenge and overcome any obstacle.

C. God's Presence Transforms Us

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

As we dwell in God's presence, we are continuously transformed to reflect His character and glory.IV. Trusting God in Challenging Times

4. Trust God in during challenging times

A. Face Obstacles with Faith

Scripture: Joshua 3:8 - "Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.'"

Scripture: Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Confidently face every challenge, knowing that God is working all things for your good.

God often calls us to step out in faith before we see the miracle.

B. Remember God's Past Faithfulness

Scripture: Joshua 3:7 - "...so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses."

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 - "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Boldly recall God's past faithfulness as a foundation for your present trust.

Recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our trust in present challenges.

C. Expect God's Miraculous Intervention

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

We should expect and prepare for God's supernatural work in our lives.

Anticipate with certainty God's supernatural work in your life, knowing He can exceed your greatest expectations.