Stepping Into Your Next Step
Have you ever wondered about the adage “stepping into?” These two words, I believe, are very powerful and commanding, as well as, a vivid description of what God is calling each one of us to do, at various times in our life, in our walk with Him. He is encouraging, wooing, calling, and cheering us to “step into” our next step: our next season, our next miracle, or our next unknown adventure in Him.
Where are you in your walk about “stepping into” your next step? The Israelites were called to “step into the Jordan” while the water was swiftly flowing past. That must have seemed daunting; after all, it would certainly be much easier to step into the Jordan after the Lord had stopped its flow, rather than while it was still flowing! What does the River Jordan represent for you, for me, and for our destiny? How can stepping into your Jordan make a monumental shift in your walk with the Lord? What can one little step do in our life, in our situation and in our spiritual journey no matter how daunting it might look?
I would like to invite you to “step into” the scripture below with me and explore together God’s heart as we unfold this life-changing word for you and for me in this season.
Joshua 3:11-13 – Just watch the sacred chest that belongs to the Lord, the ruler of the whole earth. As soon as the priests carrying the chest “step into” the Jordan, the water will stop flowing and pile up as if someone had built a dam across the river. (Translation – CEV)
Introduction – The two Israelite spies had returned from Jericho, having followed Joshua’s orders to check out the land and the city. They had escaped with Rahab’s help and now they are reporting all their experiences to Joshua. And with great delight and joy they told Joshua, “Yes! God has given the whole country to us. Everybody there is in a state of panic because of us.” (Joshua 2:23-24 CEV)
This was the news Joshua had been waiting for. The very next morning they would break camp and pitch their tents on the banks of the Jordan River.
Jordan’s literal meaning is “The Descender,” goes downwards. Jordan represents the line of distinction of the carnal life and stepping into the spiritual life, from death to life, and from the old to the new. Crossing the Jordan River for Joshua and the Israelites meant entering the Promised Land and leaving the leadership of Moses—a change from the old to the new. Another significant transition occurred when Elijah, just after crossing the Jordan, transferred the prophetic mantel to Elisha right before Elijah ascended to heaven, indicating a change to new leadership. Lastly, the Jordan was the place where John baptized Jesus but instead of the waters parting, the heavens did (Mark 1:10). This was the beginning of Jesus’ spiritual ministry. So we can see that Jordan is a place of TRANSITIONS, CONVERSIONS, and ALTERATIONS. It’s the place of decision-making to pursue God, to trust God, and to lean not in our own understanding even when to the natural eye there are clearly obstacles, barriers, and overwhelming currents to “stepping into.”
I believe that we all have times in our lives when we seem to reach the banks of our own spiritual Jordan River. We reach a point where a transition, a change, or a shift must take place in our lives; something needs to happen in a big way so that God’s promises are able to move into our reality. How many of you are on the banks of your Jordan in this moment of time, but yet you are hesitant to “step into” that Jordan? Perhaps your fear comes from unpleasant past experiences, and you do not want to be disappointed or hurt again. Maybe you have come to the end of your striving and figured out it’s not working for you any longer. Perhaps the same recording plays over and over in your mind reminding you of the past failures, or you are tired of walking in circles ending up at the same place.
The Jordan River always looked uncrossable—an impossible physical barrier to cross before the Israelites could reach their freedom, their promises, and their destiny. My question to you is what is stopping you? What options do you actually have? To go back, stay behind, or sit and wait another 40 years in your own personal wilderness?
Friends, realize that “stepping into” the next step will be a game changer for YOU and your life. Literally, a shift will take place—a suddenly of His majestic wonders will be unveiled and revealed. The Father reassures you not to fear, not to hold back, and not to put off taking that step of obedience and faith. This is a divine moment with your God for transition, conversion, and alteration.
Whatever your “stepping into” looks like, know that He is trustworthy to walk along side of you. He will give you strength, perseverance, endurance, wisdom, resources, and people to help. Obedience and faithfulness always glorify God. God the Father rewards our step of faith. Nothing pleases Him more than faith (Hebrews 11:6) because you are “stepping into” His plan and purpose, which is learning to develop, grow, and mature in the ways of Him. It’s living in His Kingdom glory on this side of eternity; it’s expanding our borders to be blessed, to be fruitful in all areas, and to increase in intimacy, dependency, and confidence with the one true King of kings.
Looking at Abraham, similar to the Israelites who had to “step into” the unknown when crossing the Jordan, God called him to “step into” his personal unknown, leaving all that was familiar like family, friends, and his home. He had to “step into the next step” of his journey, the next season of his life. He certainly didn’t know all the particulars, all the encounters he would have and where the journey would lead or end. Up to this time, Abraham was not a leader. However, he had God’s word and promise that He would not forsake him. Therefore, God called him to a new position, a new destiny—a place of leadership to fulfill his potential that God was calling him into. Did you know that is our same promise? When God calls us to “step into our next step,” He will not forsake us nor will He leave us. By “stepping into” the next step of obedience, reliance, and faith, Abraham was blessed and honored, and we too have been the recipients of those blessings. It is always His will and desire to bless us in giving us more than we could ever imagine, dream of, or ask for. That is the Father’s heart to pour upon us, to heap upon us, to overwhelm us with His abundance of blessings, goodness, and love.
In a word, God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Paul said it best: “But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)
You are on the banks of your own Jordan and the Father beckons you to believe, to walk into a newness of life, and to “step into” your Jordan with Him!
Come and . . . Step into your destiny
Step into your Promised Land
Step into your wholeness
Step into a higher realm of His glory
Step into the unknown
Step into awaited favor
Step into your miracle
Step into the fullness of life
Step into maturity
Step into intimacy
Step into dependency
Step into God’s supply
Step into your blessing
Step into your future
Step into your physical, emotional, and relational healing
Step into your Jordan with Jesus!
Mari Anne Andersen would love to hear from you, write her an e-mail, click here: marianne@freedomhouseministry.net
To view Mari Anne's video and read her bio click here:
http://www.freedomhouseministry.com/our-staff/prayer-counselors/mari-anne-andersen/
