Getting Our Feet Wet

Date: Friday, March 6, 2026

In Joshua 3, Israel is standing at the edge of the Jordan River, ready to go into the promised land. But the river is at flood stage. It’s deep, it’s moving fast, and it’s intimidating. God gives them a weird command: the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant have to step into the water before it stops flowing. This is a lesson in the theology of faith. Sometimes God parts the sea before we move, but often, He waits for us to get our feet wet before the miracle happens.

The Ark leads the way. In the grand narrative, the Ark represents God’s dwelling among His people; the “Emmanuel” presence. Just as the Ark held back the waters of death (the Jordan) so the people could walk into the Promise, Jesus entered the “waters” of death on our behalf to open the way to eternal life. He is the first foot in the water who makes the path safe for the rest of us.

When we feel betrayed or overwhelmed, like the psalmist in the second half of Psalm 55, the call is to “cast your cares on the Lord” (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7). But casting our cares isn’t passive; it’s a terrifying and active step into the river. We step into the rapids of our circumstances because we know the Ark is already there, holding the ground, and holding back the flood.

Devotional Prompts:

Is there a flood-stage river in your life where you are waiting for God to move before you take a step?
What does it look like to let the “Ark” (God’s presence) go 2,000 cubits ahead of you in your decision making?
How does Jesus’ victory over death give you the confidence to “get your feet wet” in difficult situations?
How can you practically “cast your cares” on the Lord today instead of carrying the weight of the “flood” yourself?

Prayer: Lord, give us the faith to step into the water even when it’s rushing past our ankles. Thank You that You go before us as our Leader and our Shield. We trust that where You lead, You will also make a way, even through the deepest rivers. Amen.