I’ve been discovering lately, that although I enjoy many “new” things, others come with a bit of apprehension. I wonder if the Israelite’s felt the same joyful anticipation but also a bit of dread when they entered the Promised Land? For forty years they lived in the wilderness as nomads. Following a pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night; they experienced a type of security in their routine. But then things began to change. Joshua replaced Moses as their leader. They were finished with the wandering season and about ready to do the “new” thing God had promised so many years before.
Joshua gave them three days notice in which to prepare for the crossing. These instructions included the need to purify themselves and how to follow the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant. The purification process caused them to put away anything “unclean” from their presence and set themselves apart for the Lord. These were all things they could do. God made it easy for them in many ways–just follow His instructions and trust Him!
I have often wondered how the priests felt when Joshua ordered them to “take a few steps into the ricer and stop there”. What courage it must have taken for Joshua to declare that the water would stop upstream and become a wall so they could pass through on dry land. They did what they were told and God did what He promised. The entire people walked across the river bed and entered their promised land. How they must have celebrated. New things were in store–no more manna to sustain them. They now had to learn to listen for battle plans to possess the land God had promised. New things and new seasons usually come with more responsibilities.
I am so thankful for my son, Andrew Rodman who helped launch me into this new Word Press format. I love the new opportunities it affords and I have determined to learn how to maximize it’s productivity. I am encouraged to see how beautiful it is! But mainly I desire the content to be helpful and encouraging. Please feel free to share it with your friends. I learned how to find a photo and add it to my gallery! It is the picture of my old bathroom vanity.
It is time to tackle my bathroom issues. In a previous blog I explored my struggles with facing the current problems it is having. Squishy tiles that if neglected will soon become missing tiles etc. My friend Bill Hinckley is here to help me fix the tiles and whatever problems we may discover when we remove the old ones. Having a pink tub, pink sink and toilet with blue tiles I need to upgrade the whole thing. If there hadn’t been a problem, I would have put up with the old. God uses problems to help move us to the new. It has been challenging, but as I face all the decisions and trust God for the right tiles at the right price I know it will have a beautiful outcome. I have already tackled the old vanity and it looks amazing. (At least the newly painted wood part does!) I need to learn how to add two pictures in one blog (so you will have to wait to see the update).
Father, I thank you for new eyes to see the new things you are doing in us, for us and through us. You are such an amazing God who helps us in every area of our lives and I thank you.
Faith Encounters 