A Goody From Woody

I heard a sermon a few weeks back by my son-in-law, Scott Luck. He used a reference from Joshua chapter 3. The Jewish people had been led out of Egypt—where they had been slaves for 400 years. Over a million Jewish men, women and children waited at the Jordan River to cross over to the “Promised Land” that God said would be theirs. Their future hope and home was across the River which was at flood stage since it was harvest time.

Joshua had told the people to follow the priests into the River when the priest carried the “Ark of the Covenant” before them.

No doubt all the Jewish men, women and children were wondering if they would die in the Jordon River or would God make a way through it.

Joshua chapter 3 tells us that God was “working upstream” at a place called Adam where the Jordan River had started to back up. By the time the Jewish people crossed the Jordon, they were able to walk over on dry ground. Amazing!

God knew the need of His people before they did. Crossing a swollen Jordon River at flood stage is impossible for man. But God, in His Providence was “working upstream” to stop the Jordon River. In everyday language God is always “working upstream” for His people.

I have been at the Jordon River during harvest season, and it really does flood. But God was working ahead of His people to do what He had promised.

Do you believe God is “working upstream” in your life today? I sure do!

Not long ago I visited one of my doctors to deal with a minor physical problem. I had not planned on seeing that doctor or his staff for another month. But one of the workers had lost a friend in a car accident and was grieving. She said she needed to know how to talk to the children of the deceased man. I knew then that God had been working upstream because I have talked many, many times to children about the loss of grandparents and parents. In fact, I’ve done workshops on the topic. That day was a reminder that God had worked in my life for years (working upstream) to help the people in that office.

What problem are you facing now? God is working even if you can’t see evidence of it today. (The Jewish people couldn’t see 15-20 miles upstream either).

The sure confidence of Romans 8:28-29 came to mind. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Did you see that God works all events in the lives of His people for their good?

Providence means “to see before”. God sees before us and behind us. He knows all things—and He works it all together for our good and His glory. (Read, at your leisure: Ps 104; Hebrews 1:3; Col 1:17; Acts 17:28; Neh 9:6.)

So where is God working “upstream” in your life?

God Bless,
Woody

P.S. Did you know that Roger Williams in 1636, who was a religious exile, named a city in Rhode Island “Providence”? He was struck by “God’s merciful Providence” which he believed God had allowed the early settlers to find and enjoy.