Faith That Moves Forward

"Then you shall tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord.’” — Joshua 4:7

There comes a time when standing still becomes disobedience.

Sometimes we convince ourselves that waiting is holy, that hesitation is safe, that holding back is wise. And yes—there are seasons to wait on the Lord. But not every pause is God-ordained. Some are born out of fear. Out of comfort. Out of uncertainty. But God doesn’t bless fear-driven stillness. He blesses faith-filled steps.

A River in the Way

In Joshua 3, God’s people stand on the edge of the Jordan River, looking toward the promised land. They’ve seen the hand of God move before—splitting seas, dropping manna, shaking mountains. But now a swollen river blocks the path to the future. No boats. No bridges. Just water.

And God says something that feels backwards:

“When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.” (Joshua 3:8)

Stand still… in the water?
Not before it. In it.

God didn’t part the waters before they moved. He waited until the priests’ feet touched the flood.

“And when the soles of the feet of the priests… shall rest in the waters, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off.” (Joshua 3:13)

In other words: Step first.
Get your feet wet.
Move.

Faith Requires Momentum

Faith that moves forward doesn’t mean you have the whole map.
It just means you trust the One giving the directions.

If you’re waiting until everything is clear, risk-free, or fully planned… you’re not waiting on God—you’re waiting on certainty. And certainty doesn’t require faith.

Hebrews 11 doesn’t list the men and women who waited perfectly. It celebrates those who obeyed courageously—even when it looked messy, even when it meant leaving comfort, and even when it meant going without knowing exactly where.

Faith that moves forward is obedient, even when the road is underwater.

What’s Stopping Your Steps?

Maybe for you, it’s not a literal river.
Maybe it’s regret. Or insecurity. Or fear of failing again.
Maybe it’s the belief that small steps don’t matter.

But here's the truth: God doesn’t need your perfection—He just asks for your participation.
Your faith doesn’t have to be loud. It doesn’t have to be clean. It just has to move.

Jesus said if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).
And sometimes, that mountain isn’t out there—it’s the one in you.

Obedience Is Forward Motion

God honors movement.
He meets His people in motion.
He parts rivers when feet step forward.
He reveals provision when we begin to obey.

So whatever God’s called you to…
Start.
Even if it's slow.
Even if it’s messy.
Even if all you’re doing is stepping into the water.

You don’t have to know how it will work.
You just have to know Who goes before you.

“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” — Joshua 3:5

Final Encouragement

Faith that moves forward is less about speed and more about surrender.
It’s not about how confident you feel—it’s about how committed you are to trusting Him.

So today, take one step.
Then another.
Let your feet touch the water.
And watch the river move.