Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Israel like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your radiant glory to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! – Psalm 80:1-2
The most powerful illustration of God’s presence going before His people is that of the Israelites as they crossed the Jordan with the ark of the covenant leading them. The ark represented God’s throne, His power, and His might. It went ahead of Israel into the battle at Jericho and brought the Israelites victory. Indeed, if the ark had not gone before them, they would have been on their own.
Whatever impossible circumstance may stand before you will surely be defeated as God’s presence arrives in the battle. Joshua 3:13 says that when the feet of the priests who carried the ark touched the water, the flow of water was cut off upstream and the river piled up there in a heap.
As you come to your “Jordan,” set your foot into the water. How dare the proud waters defy God’s presence and power! The foot of faith carries the arm of omnipotence. One little step of faith releases all the power of God into your situation. Let God’s face shine against the darkness!
