I’ve heard the expression for years,”Don’t be a stick-in-the-mud”. A what? A stick-in–the-mud. When I went to search the meaning of it, the best answer I saw was, “a person who is emotionless and unimaginative, content with his portion and unprepared to make an effort to improve it.”
When I read Joshua 3:14-17 this morning, a few things came to mind including the aforementioned expression. Why, when those verses are talking about dry ground? Well, this story is when the Israelites crossed the Jordan going into the Promised Land. They were following God’s instruction, and God went ahead of them. When they came to the Jordan it was harvest time and the river was at its fullest. The priests carried the Ark of the Covenant (an Old Testament representation of God’s presence), and when they approached the Jordan the waters stood piled up high, and the ground became completely dry. Not murky or muddy, but totally dry! Do you get that?
In a previous verse, Joshua 3:5 it says, “Then Joshua told the people, “Make yourselves pure. Tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among us.” This day of the crossing was their “tomorrow”. God did an amazing thing. To Him, it was just another day, but to the Israelites, it was a remarkable event. It was another “new day” the Lord had given them. Another promise kept that He had made to them. He didn’t leave the ground one bit moist. He made it dry so that they could be inspired, passionate, and ready for a new adventure.
God still does amazing things. Daily! He has given you a “new day” to be inspired and passionate about the great adventure He has planned for you. Obey God and know that when you follow and obey Him, He has gone ahead of you and prepared the way. Don’t be a stick-in-the-mud! He has great plans for you. Enjoy each adventure in life with God.
| April 20 |
