“Hear, O Israel: You are to cross over the Jordan today, and go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to heaven,” — Deuteronomy 9:1 NKJV
In this context, the Jordan was a physical river the Israelites had to cross over to reach their place of settlement. In our own life journeys, we experience different hurdles to achieve our set goals—hurdles that ultimately lead to a promotion, either physically or spiritually. Whether your “Jordan” is small or big, God has embedded in us the capacity, wisdom, and knowledge to surmount it.
Is your Jordan marital delay for singles, or marital challenges for the married? Is your Jordan a lack of financial resources? Is your Jordan a delay in childbirth? Is your Jordan your children? Is your Jordan a lack of promotion, whether in your career, business, or academics? Is your Jordan prayerlessness or complacency in your walk with God? Whatever form your Jordan takes, we have a part to play in overcoming it.
Firstly, seek what God is saying concerning the root cause of the Jordan (whether it is stagnation, a season of waiting, or a delay). Please refer to our previous post: ‘Chastening Brings Wonders’.
Secondly, take steps to be transformed with the help of the Holy Spirit based on the answers you receive. Transformation is a key factor for progress as certain habits need to be left behind so we can travel light.
Thirdly, let God in and seek wisdom on how to overcome the Jordan. This is done through prayer, waiting for a response from God, meditating on the Word He gives concerning the matter, and promptly acting on His instructions with thanksgiving.
Fourthly, walking in love with all men and hold no animosity towards anyone. Be joyful and maintain an atmosphere of praise to God at all times. People will surely offend you, so choose to forgive them even before the hurt happens. You can express your hurt if necessary, but if not, simply move on and aim for the goal ahead.
We must also bear in mind that pride is a destroyer of blessings and opportunities; never engage in it for any reason whatsoever. We must not think more highly of ourselves than anyone else, as Proverbs 16:18 reminds us: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” God hates the proud (Proverbs 16:5, 8:13), so we must be conscious not to slip into it.
Corruption can also strengthen the Jordan, therefore, in whatever form it presents itself, we must actively resist it and maintain our integrity. Also, we must never turn away from God or reduce our communion time with Him, whether we are facing the weight of the Jordan or have already crossed over it.
Finally, we need to understand God’s assignment for us in crossing the Jordan. There is always a lesson or two to learn from the experience. God might be taking us through it because He wants us to understand the terrain so we can help others overcome similar Jordans. We must always ask: What lessons are there to learn?
In conclusion, every Jordan is ultimately meant to bring glory to God. The faster we yield to partnering with Him, the sooner and more successfully we will surmount it.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal