Send It

Whenever the weather forecast announces the first hurricane has formed in the Atlantic and puts out the “spaghetti models” for the possible paths, I get both excited and nervous. Excited because I know a long awaited swell is coming to break the summer slump. Nervous because of the unknowns a hurricane could bring to our coastal communities. On the forefront of my mind is, how will I handle the size and power of a substantial ground swell? Especially, after a long summer of knee to waist high windswell? 

There’s a line between knowing your limit and pushing them. Testing that limit is where stepping out in faith and trusting past experience meet. We call that “Sending It”. Taking that opportunity to move into the new adventure while relying on God’s equipping and history of faithfulness while we go for it. The Hebrew people under the new leadership of Joshua had such an opportunity when it was time to step into the promised land. They had waited and prepared and now the day came. We read in Joshua 3:5 “Then Joshua told the people, ‘Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do great wonders among you.” Following the Ark of the Covenant carried by the priests they came to the Jordan river at flood stage (see 3:15). Can you imagine the thoughts of the Hebrew people? Flood waters rushing by, God told them to walk into the river (3:8) and watch Him part the water for them (3:13). They did and watched the water stand up like a wall – picture a wave as the section stands up in front of you – so terrifying it’ll bring a smile to your face. They walked up with confidence and I’m sure concern, and “as soon as the feet of the priests…touched the water at the rivers edge” (3:15) the waters started backing up. The water would not have parted without that first step in.

What gospel adventure has God been equipping you for? God has been preparing you and calling you toward some opportunity for His glory and others good. Will you “Send It” by taking that first step in, toward the person He wants you to share Jesus with. Step in and toward the new ministry project that’s been on your heart to minister grace, truth and love to that family down the street. Consider sending it on that mission, your pastor has invited you to join. God has been preparing you and He is now asking for you to take that first step of faith. Don’t wait! Adventure with Jesus awaits! Step in and watch God do awesome before your eyes. Joshua 4:24 says God “did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the LORD’S hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever.”

Illustration by: Danielle Romero