Faith at the Waters Edge

Crossing into the Promised Future

Summary: In this passage, the Israelites stand on the brink of a major transition, tasked with crossing the overflowing Jordan River to enter the promised land. It emphasizes the need for unwavering faith as they embark on this significant journey, reinforcing that God desires to lead His people into futures filled with hope and promise, despite the obstacles in the way.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the importance of faith and obedience in God's guidance during life transitions. It shows that God often calls us to act first, stepping into circumstances that may appear daunting, and promises that His providence will be revealed to those who trust and obey him.

Big Idea: God calls us to step into our fears and uncertainties, trusting that in our obedience, He will make a way where there seems to be no way, guiding us into His promises and plan for our lives.

Opening Scripture

“9 Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. 10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. 13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground” Joshua 3:9-17 (NIV)

Sermon Opening Story: "The Fog on the Bridge"

A young naval officer had just graduated from training and was finally given the opportunity to command a ship during a nighttime training exercise. It was his first big moment. The sea was calm, but the night was thick with fog—you could barely see a few feet in front of you.

As they approached a narrow channel, the officer froze. All his training said he had to trust the ship’s radar and the voice of the guide on the radio—but it felt like madness. It felt risky. He could almost hear the crashing waves and his own fears whispering, "What if you’re wrong?"

Then the radio crackled. “Stay your course. We’ve cleared the path. You just have to move forward.”

And so, with heart pounding, he gave the order. Slowly, the ship moved into the fog, step by step, foot by foot… until finally, they came out the other side—safe, guided, and exactly where they were meant to be.

It wasn't the absence of fear that got him through—it was the obedience to the voice that saw what he couldn’t.

Transition into Scripture:

Just like that young officer, the Israelites in Joshua 3 were staring into the unknown—facing a river at flood stage with no bridge in sight. But God had already made a way. They just had to step in.

1. Promises Proclaimed and Prepared

.Introduction: The Power of Preparation Before Transition

Before Israel ever stepped foot into the miracle, before their toes touched the edge of the Jordan, before the water parted — God gave them a word.

Joshua gathered the people and said, “Come close. Come hear what the Lord has to say.”

Why? Because before God performs a miracle around you, He wants to speak something into you.

Before He shifts your season, He sharpens your ears.

Before He brings you into promise, He brings your attention to His voice.

a. The Voice of God Prepares You for the Move of God

Joshua says, “Come and hear the words of the Lord your God.” He doesn’t say, “Watch and see,” but “Come and hear.”

In this hour, church, we need less noise and more clarity.

We need to be a people who don’t move because the culture is moving.

We don’t step because the crowd stepped.

We move because we heard a word from God.

Because when you don’t have a plan, you better have a promise!

b. Promises in the Face of Pressure

Joshua didn’t sugarcoat the situation. The Jordan was at flood stage. It wasn’t a convenient moment—it was the most dangerous moment.

But it is in the middle of uncertainty, in the face of impossible odds, that God speaks with the greatest clarity.

Joshua declares: “Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you.”

Hallelujah! He’s not a distant God. Not a dead God. He’s a living God! And when God is among you, there’s no obstacle too great, no river too wide, no enemy too strong.

c. Jesus: The Living Word, The Fulfilled Promise

Saints, hear me—Joshua spoke a word to the people, but Jesus is the Word made flesh. He doesn’t just declare the promise—He is the promise.

And Jesus still gathers His people today and says, “Come unto Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

In the storm, He still speaks, “Peace, be still.”

In the chaos, He still says, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Before you try to fight your battles, before you try to cross that river on your own… Come close. Stand still. And hear what the Lord is saying.

Step Into the Word Before You Step Into the Water

God didn’t tell them to figure out how to cross—He told them to listen.

And some of you, you're trying to build bridges God never told you to build.

You’re stressing about the river when God has already declared, “I will make a way where there is no way!”

Don’t move on emotion. Don’t step in fear. Step on a Word. Stand on a promise. Move in faith.

Point 2: Presence Precedes Progress

Text: Joshua 3:11–12 (NIV)

“See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. 12 Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe.”

Church, if you’ll stay with me for a few more moments, I want to press into something that we cannot afford to overlook—not now, not in this hour.

Joshua has gathered the people. They are on the edge of destiny. The wilderness is behind them, the promise is before them. And what does Joshua say?

“Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into Jordan.”

Don’t miss it. He didn’t say, “Pack your bags.” He didn’t say, “Get your feet ready.” He said, “Look. Behold. Fix your eyes on the ark.”

Because before you can make progress, you have to recognize His presence.

The Ark: Symbol of God’s Presence

You see, in Israel's journey, the Ark of the Covenant wasn’t just a box covered in gold. It represented the manifest presence of the Living God.

Inside were the stone tablets of the Law, Aaron’s rod that budded, and a pot of manna—symbols of God’s word, His authority, and His provision.

But on top of the Ark—between the golden cherubim—was the Mercy Seat, where the blood was sprinkled once a year, and the Shekinah glory rested.

The Ark was a declaration: “God is here!”

Preach: “Where is Your Focus?”

Before the people moved, God made it clear:

“Don’t look at the river. Don’t look at your sandals. Don’t look at your strength. Look at Me.”

Because the presence of God is not optional—it is essential.

I came to tell somebody today: Don’t make progress without the presence. Don’t take the job, don’t enter the relationship, don’t step into that new season, if the Ark isn’t going before you!

Jesus: Our Eternal Ark

Now church, let me take this to the New Covenant. We don’t carry a wooden Ark covered in gold. We carry the glory of the Living Christ inside of us!

Jesus is the true Ark:

He is the Word made flesh.

He is our High Priest and our Mercy Seat.

He is the Bread of Life, the Resurrection Rod, and the Law fulfilled.

And through His Spirit, He now walks before us, He walks beside us, and—praise God—He walks within us!

Romans 8:34 says "Christ Jesus... is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us."

Hallelujah! In every Jordan we face, we don’t go alone. Our Savior steps in first.

Illustration: The Presence Clears the Path

Let me give you a picture. Imagine a military convoy in enemy territory. There’s one vehicle that always goes first—it’s the lead tank, the pathfinder. It checks for mines. It clears ambushes. It secures the road.

Why? Because the vehicles behind it aren’t equipped to face what’s ahead. But if the lead tank makes it through—they all do.

Church—Jesus is your lead tank! He’s stepped into every trial. He’s marched through every temptation. He’s conquered death, hell, and the grave. And now He says, “Follow Me.”

Call to the Congregation

I wonder today—what river are you standing in front of?

A tough decision?

A painful diagnosis?

A broken relationship?

A calling that feels bigger than you?

Before you take a step, ask this: “Is His presence going with me?”

Because I’d rather stay in the wilderness with His presence than cross into the promise without it!

Mini-Response Moment

If you’ve been moving without God’s direction… If you’ve made progress but lost His presence… If you’ve been relying on intellect, instinct, or emotion instead of intimacy…

Today is the day to reset your compass.

“Behold… the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passes over before you into Jordan!”

Let Jesus take the lead again. Let the Spirit set the pace. Let the Father show you the path.

Presence Precedes Progress. Always

Point 3: Priestly Steps of Faith

Text: Joshua 3:13 (NIV)

“13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”Church, don’t miss this moment—because it’s one of the most powerful, daring, and faith-demanding acts in all of Israel’s story.”

God said, “The waters won’t move until the priests do.”

Faith Before the Flood Moves

The miracle wasn’t waiting in the heavens—it was waiting on the earth. Not waiting on God to show up... But waiting on man to step up.

Let me say it again:

The waters won’t part until the feet go in.

This is not a "wait until it’s safe" miracle. This is not a "see if the flood goes down" miracle. This is a faith-walk miracle.

Preach:

“God said, ‘I’ll part the water when you plant your feet.’” And some of us have been praying for God to move, while heaven’s been waiting on you to step.

The Priestly Step

Now imagine this scene:

The Jordan is overflowing its banks. It’s cold. It’s loud. It’s raging. And God says: “Tell the priests to walk into it… carrying My glory.”

They didn’t step in with a life vest. They didn’t test the water with a stick. They didn’t ask for a confirmation fleece. They just obeyed.

These weren’t ordinary men—these were priests.

They bore the Ark. They bore the presence. But they also bore the responsibility to walk in faith before the people ever could.

Jesus: Our Great High Priest Stepped First

Church, we don’t follow human priests—we follow a Divine High Priest named Jesus.

And just like those Levites, He stepped first into humanity’s flood:

He stepped into our brokenness.

He stepped into our sin.

He stepped into our death.

And on the cross, He planted His nail-scarred feet into the raging judgment waters and said, “Peace, be still.”

Because He stepped in, we can step forward.

Bold Steps, Not Safe Steps

Let me ask you: When was the last time your faith made you nervous?

Because real faith—Kingdom faith—doesn’t just make you shout… It makes you step.

Preach:

“Some of y’all are waiting for the waters to dry up before you move… but faith gets your feet wet first!”

You want the breakthrough? Take the step.

You want the healing? Lay hands in faith.

You want the restoration? Make the first call.

You want to see God part the waters in your finances, your marriage, your calling? Then it’s time to get your feet in the flood.

Call to Action: Take the Step

Don’t just admire the priests—be one. Don’t just sing about faith—walk it out.

Some of you are standing on the riverbank of a promise, and you’re waiting for certainty. But God is asking for obedience.

“Put your foot in the water.” “Take the application.” “Make the move.” “Speak the Word.” “Trust Me.”

Because the miracle won’t show up until your feet do.

Transition to Ministry Moment

You don’t have to know the full path. You don’t have to feel qualified. You just have to step.

"If you’re in a season where God is asking you to step into something uncertain—if you’re standing before a Jordan and you know He’s calling you to move—tonight is your night to say ‘Yes.’”

We’re not waiting on the water to settle—we’re stepping into the current, knowing that He who called us is faithful.

Because when the priest steps in... the river steps back

Point 4: Power Overcomes Obstacles

Text: Joshua 3:14–16 (NIV)

“14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.”

Now church—this is where it gets real. This isn’t just symbolism or preparation anymore. This is movement. This is miracle. This is manifestation.

They’ve left the tent. They’ve stepped out in faith. Now comes the obstacle.

Jordan at Flood Stage

The Word says, “Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest.”

This wasn’t a trickling stream. This was violent, unpredictable, and unstoppable in the natural.

And that’s when God chose to move.

Church, listen:

God doesn't always wait for the waters to calm down—He steps in when they’re wild, to show you who’s in charge.

Sometimes God will let the waters rise so you can witness His power.

Preach:

“He let the flood rage so the people would know—this wasn’t chance, this was glory!”

The Waters Stood Up

When the priests’ feet touched the edge, the Bible says the waters were cut off and stood up in a heap—very far away, near a city called Adam.

That’s no coincidence.

God stopped the waters all the way back to Adam.

Don’t miss the revelation:

The same God who can stop the waters in front of you is the same God who can go all the way back to your beginning and cut off the curses, the consequences, and the brokenness that tried to flow into your life.

Preach:

“Some of y’all are dealing with floodwaters that didn’t start with you—but God is about to shut it off at the root.”

Addiction? Brokenness? Generational trauma? The flood stops here.

The Power of Christ in You

Now let me bring this to the New Covenant: Jesus is our Ark. He is our power. He is the One who stands between us and the flood.

Colossians 2:15 says, “Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

Jesus didn’t just calm a storm—He conquered the river of sin itself!

On the cross, the flood of wrath came rushing in. And Jesus stood in the middle—arms stretched wide—absorbing the storm so we could walk through on dry ground.

Obstacles Are Opportunities

Church, hear this today: The obstacle in front of you is not a denial—it is an opportunity for God’s power to show up.

God didn’t remove the Jordan—He parted it. He didn’t avoid the flood—He entered it and overruled it.

Preach:

“When the enemy rises like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against it!”

Whatever the Jordan is in your life—a legal battle, a diagnosis, a loss, a failure—you don’t have to fight it in your own strength.

You carry the Ark. You carry His power. You carry His name.

Call to Faith and Boldness

This is not the season to sit on the riverbank in fear. This is not the moment to talk yourself out of obedience. This is the hour to declare:

“If God said cross, then I’m crossing—because His power is greater than the flood in front of me!”

If you’re facing a flood today... If you feel like the current is too strong... If your back is to the wall and the waters are rising...

The Lord sent me to tell you:

Power is about to hit your problem. The waters are about to stand still. And you are going through!

Begin Ministry Moment

Right now, if you know you’ve been staring at a Jordan in your life… And you’ve been afraid of its force… But something in your spirit says, “It’s time to cross…”

Then I want you to move—right now. Come to this altar. Come in faith. Come with your eyes on the Ark. Come declaring: “The power of God is greater than the flood in front of me.”

This is your moment to step into a miracle.

Point 5: Promise Fulfilled in Obedience

Text: Joshua 3:17 (NIV)

“ The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.”

What began as a promise is now a pathway. What began with a proclamation is now proven. What began with trembling feet in a flooded river is now a testimony of the power of obedience.

God did exactly what He said He would do.

They Stood Firm

Let’s look again at what the Word says:

“The priests stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan…”

They didn’t just cross with anxiety, looking over their shoulder. They didn’t run across afraid the waters would return. They stood—firm.

This is the fulfillment of the promise. This is what happens when faith becomes obedience, and obedience opens the door to God’s supernatural stability.

Preach:

“What was once a raging flood is now a firm foundation!”

Church—God is not just bringing you through your Jordan… He’s going to let you stand firm in the very place that once tried to take you out.

Until All the People Passed Clean Over

Now watch this: The Word says all the people passed over. Not some. Not the strongest. Not just the leaders. Not just the ones with faith.

ALL.

That means:

The tired got through.

The young got through.

The doubters got through.

The weary, the broken, the ones who had questions—they got through.

That’s grace. That’s mercy. That’s the God who finishes what He starts.

Preach:

“There’s no partial victory with God. When He brings you out, He brings you all the way out!”

Jesus Leads Us Through Completely

Now let me preach the Gospel:

Jesus didn’t just begin your journey—He’s committed to finishing it. He is the Author and the Finisher of your faith.

Hebrews 7:25 says, “He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him…”

That means He doesn’t stop halfway. He doesn’t lead you into a river and leave you. He walks with you—all the way through.

The flood didn’t stop the promise. The fear didn’t stop the promise. The past didn’t stop the promise. Because obedience is the bridge between the Word and the wonder.

Obedience Is the Key

Let me remind you:

The waters didn’t part just because of the promise—they parted because of obedience.

Some of us want the blessing but haven’t made the move. Some want the testimony but not the step. But God honors obedience, even when it’s costly.

Preach:

“Delayed obedience is disobedience—and partial obedience is rebellion.”

When you fully obey, you fully receive. When you move in faith, the promise meets you on the other side.

Final Altar Call: Twofold Invitation

a. Salvation Call

There are some in this room—you’ve been standing at the edge of your Jordan, and you’ve never taken the first step. You’ve never truly surrendered to Jesus—the One who stepped into death, took your place, and made a way through the flood of sin.

Today, the invitation is open. The river has parted. The Ark is ahead of you. And the Spirit is calling: “Come to Jesus.”

If that’s you, I want you to lift your hand. Don’t hesitate. This is your moment.

Come to the altar. Come and cross over—from death to life. From sin to salvation. From brokenness to belonging.

b. Call to Obedience and Victory

And for the saints— If you know God has been calling you to take a bold step of obedience... If you’ve been staring at a Jordan, too afraid to cross... If you want to step into your purpose, your promise, your calling...

Then this altar is for you too.

Come step forward in faith—literally and spiritually. Lay your fears at His feet. Declare, “I’m crossing over, and I’m not turning back!”

Let the Spirit of God empower you with boldness, fire, and strength.

This is not just an altar—this is a crossing point. This is a moment of deliverance… breakthrough… Holy Ghost outpouring!

“It’s time to step, to stand, and to see the power of God fulfill every promise!”