crossing the river

"Listen, O Israel! Today you are about to cross the Jordan River to take over the land belonging to nations much greater and more powerful than you.  They live in cities with walls that reach to the sky!  The people are strong and tall--descendants of the famous Anakite giants.  You've heard the saying 'Who can stand up to the Anakites?' But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them.  He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised."

-Deuteronomy 9:1-3

It seems like Deuteronomy is full of situations like this...a reminder that God is the one in control, that God is the one behind the victory.  It is such an important reminder. It is easy to look at a situation and feel completely unqualified and afraid to pursue it.  Such as a situation like this one...crossing the Jordan River to conquer nations greater and more powerful.  I think most of us would be worried and led to find a way out, but this reminds the Israelites that God crosses ahead of them.  God doesn't just make the plans, He's involved in them. In fact, He is the most important part, He goes before us.  Not only would we be afraid before crossing the river to conquer the nations, in the end, it is often easy to take the credit for success.  This is also a reminder to the Israelites that without God they can't do this so it is not their strengths, but God's.  I love reading Deuteronomy because I feel like I can relate so much to the feelings and thoughts that are discussed throughout the book.  It's a common theme in my life: worrying about situations.  I need to learn to trust that just as God went before the Israelites to cross the Jordan River and subdued the nations so that they would be able to conquer them, God crosses the rivers of my life first and prepares the way for me to fulfill his plan, his promises.

What river do you feel like you're crossing?  Even if the situation on the other side is greater and more powerful than you are...it is not greater or more powerful than God.  Recognize that God goes first and the challenge won't seem so daunting anymore.