Dr. Jordon Gilmore
Key Scriptures: Joshua 3:14–17; Mark 11:20–25; Deuteronomy 31:7–8; Luke 17:11–19; Matthew 14:28–29; Matthew 8:5–13; Mark 9:23–24
Faith isn't only believing that God can do something—it changes how we move after we’ve prayed.
In Joshua 3, Israel stood at the edge of the Jordan River preparing to enter the Promised Land. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant were instructed to go ahead of the people and step into the overflowing river. God didn't first show them dry ground. They had to step forward in obedience—and when their feet touched the water, the way opened.
This message challenges us to consider the distance between what we say we believe and how we actually live.
Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it.” (Mark 11:24)
Do we get up from prayer and move like we actually expect God to respond?
1. Go With the Presence of the Lord
Joshua 3:14–17 | Deuteronomy 31:7–8
The priests could step into the Jordan because they were carrying the Ark, representing the presence of God.
God told Joshua, “The Lord will personally go ahead of you.”
Sometimes we're standing at the edge of something unfamiliar, afraid to move because we don't know what will happen. But God isn't asking us to go somewhere He hasn't already gone.
Like a father standing in a pool telling his child to jump, our confidence isn't necessarily in the water—it's in the One waiting for us.
2. Don't Despise Progressive Steps
Luke 17:11–19
Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.”
They weren't immediately healed. Scripture says, “As they went, they were cleansed.”
Sometimes we want God to reveal the entire staircase before we'll take the first step. But the answer may unfold as we go.
We can’t remain standing in the same place while complaining that nothing has changed. Sometimes progress is waiting on our obedience.
3. If He Invites You, You Can Come
Matthew 14:28–29
Peter said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come.”
Jesus simply answered, “Come.”
That invitation was enough for Peter to step out of the boat.
God has invited us into things like peace, rest, joy, purpose and obedience, yet fear, shame, uncertainty and insecurity can keep us in the boat.
If He has called you to come, you don't have to depend solely on your ability to sustain yourself. The God sustaining you where you are is also able to sustain you where He's calling you.
4. Reduce the Time Between Faith and Obedience
Matthew 8:5–13
The centurion understood authority. He told Jesus, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Jesus marveled at his faith.
We can develop that kind of responsiveness through practice. Start with the small things. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to encourage someone, give, speak, serve or act—respond.
Hear it. Believe it. Do it.
Obedience in small things trains us to respond when God asks something bigger.
Closing Challenge
Mark 9 records the desperate prayer of a father:
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
There can be both faith and hesitation within us. The goal is to keep shrinking the distance between believing God and obeying Him.
Remember:
Go with His presence.
Take the next step.
Trust His invitation.
Practice obedience in the small things.
You may be standing at the edge of your Jordan, praying and believing God to move.
The question may no longer be, “Will God do something?”
It may be:
“Am I willing to step into the water?”
