Since the end of February, I believe that God has been calling his people to cross over from the wilderness into the promised land. In today's blog, I'll share a few thoughts on the season and how to cross over into your promised land.
"It is time to cross over." I was sitting in my living room when I heard the phrase, like a still, small thought. I was surprised, caught off guard. What did it mean? I could have easily missed it, but I felt there was something significant to it. I know that familiar voice, however subtle. So familiar, I could almost mistake it for my own thoughts at times. But I have learned to take note and listen. To recognize. To honor the voice of the Lord. As I asked questions, the Lord began to speak to me about the Israelites crossing over the Jordan river into the land of Canaan. In the same way, I felt God was calling his people forward out of the wilderness and into their promised lands. The very next day, a major shift happened in my life. I could no longer stay where I was. I had to get moving. It was time to answer His call to move forward, even if If I didn't know where I was going yet. Little did I know, it was the start of God moving in my life in such a way that I would begin to move from the my multi-year wilderness into my personal promised land. Looking back on that fateful February day, I am reminded of how Joshua spoke this to God's people the day before they crossed over: Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:5 NIV Literally the next day ("tomorrow") after hearing the word of the Lord, my life changed. The thing is, I knew this wasn't just a word for me. I believe it is what God is doing for His people in this season. So let's dive more into it.
From the Jordan to the Promised Land
In the book of Joshua, we see it's finally time for God's people to leave the wilderness. They had been wandering in the wilderness for many years, but everything was about to change. God was calling them to cross over the Jordan River (Read Joshua 1-3). 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 3:17 NIV What Happens When You Cross Over the Jordan into Your Promised Land `1. The shift happens quickly After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the journey across the Jordan only took three days. Three. Days. When God say it's time, it can happen quickly—even after years and years of wilderness, barrenness, and waiting. The light can suddenly turn to GREEN. That's when you have full permission to move forward with confidence.
2. You must leave the past behind To enter into the new place of promise, you must leave the past behind. You are going somewhere totally new. You can't carry in the baggage, the hurt, the disappointment with you. It's time for a clean slate. When the waters part for you to pass through and close behind to barr the way, the past season will be closed with it. It's time for new joy, trust, and hope. It may require forigiveness, ending mourning, and changing your habits, but there is freedom in letting go and trusting Jesus.
3. You enter the adventure of the unknown "...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.4 Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before." Joshua 3:2 NIV We know the wilderness can get comfortable. Even if you get tired of going in circles, you know what to expect - the manna will fall every day. You will see the presence of God by day and the fire by night. You clothes don't wear out. Life feels secure, safe, predictable. But there is so much more that God has for you when he calls you forward. You don't know where you are going, but you have to move ahead. This is where adventure with God truly begins. He will be sure to guide you step by step, and redirect you if you get off course. Just stay close to him! 4. The miracle happens in your movement "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 downstreamwill be cut off and stand up in a heap.” Joshua 3:13 NIV As you move forward, the waters will open up to clear your way forward. All too often, we want the whole plan upfront. We prefer step-by-step GPS directions. We want to see how God is going to do it! But he delights in our faith. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 6:11 NIV We have to learn to step into the Jordan in faith and trust that God will make a way where there is no way. He may give one step at a time, or a more detailed plan. He knows exactly what you need. You just need to start moving.
5. You can't waste time! So Joshua commanded the priests, “Come up out of the Jordan.”
And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before. Joshua 4:17-18 NIV
I recently had a dream where I saw a beautiful opening in a waterfall. People were coming from all over the world to ride down the waterfall, like a fun adventure, but the window of time to go through the opening would soon be closing, and you wouldn't be able to get in afterward. I felt like the Lord was saying that there is a window of time to cross over into the new thing God is doing. You can choose to stay on the side of the wilderness, or you can bravely move ahead. Be one who is strong and courageous! "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
6. You create a legacy that lasts
As they crossed over, God asked his people to gather 12 stones from the river, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, as a testimony for generations to come, In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7 NIV When God faithfully gets us to the other side of the Jordan, we have a responsibility to forever remember and declare what God has done. We don't keep it to ourselves. It's a testimony future generations can learn from that declares to them, "God is real, He is good. He is more than the songs we sing. We have experiential knowledge that God is a waymaker and miracle worker. And this is your legacy. This is your inheritance. If God did this for me, He will also do this for you." He gives us a beautiful legacy that will touch nations for the glory of Jesus.
God is Your Promise-Fulfiller
At the start of this year, God began to speak to me that he is Alpha and Omega—He doesn't just start something, but he finishes it. You can read the whole word here: God is Still Writing Your Story.
I have also spoken a lot prophetically about the fruit of the promised land: pomegranates. In the same way the spies brought back fruit from the promised land to show it was fruitful, I believe God gave me this word in advance (in 2020) to prepare us for the season we are now in. Read it here!
This word about crossing over stays true to that overall word I Believe God gave me for 2022. You may feel like God will never finish what he started in your life. You may feel like your wilderness will never end, like you'll never enter into your promised land or see his promises in your life fulfilled.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
The truth is, He who promised is faithful. He will always finish what he started. I pray you will have such a beautiful testimony of God moving in your life that it would declare to people, "This is who God is! He is good and nothing is too hard for him!" Are you ready to experience God moving in your life in this way? Here's a simple prayer you can pray! Lord, I surrender my plan to you. Show me the way I should go. I want to cross over and step into all you have for me. Direct me, redirect me if need be , and show me the best path you have for my life. I trust you! In the name of Jesus, amen. How to Keep Growing If you'd like to learn more about hearing God's voice and growing your relationship with him, I want to invite you to join the waitlist for my next online prophetic school! Want to get more encouraging prophetic words? I invite you to subscribe! The link is below!
All the love,
Mariel
