Anticipation: January 5, 2010

January 5: Today’s word for Tuesday January 5

ANTICIPATION


DEFINITION:

To expect or look forward to; to realize or fell beforehand.

SCRIPTURE:

Joshua told the people: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua 3:4

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

When our children were young, we spent our vacation time each summer at the beach on the Pacific Ocean. Each of the children when experiencing the ocean surf for the first time were fearful of the breaking waves. They would stand at the water’s edge and watch the waves come in and go out. AS they watched they noticed that when the water receded sand was exposed. After a short time they would get a little daring and run out as the tide went out, chasing the water back to the ocean. They carefully would watch the waves in anticipation so they would have time to run ahead of the incoming wave back to the safety of the beach.

Israel stood on the edge of the Jordan River in anticipation of entering the Promised Land. For forty years God caused the Israelites to wander in the desert as punishment for their sins. Finally, a new generation was ready to enter the Promised Land; however, there was one major obstacle. Between the Israelites and the Promised Land was the Jordan River which was overflowing its banks due to the spring rains. Just think of the anticipation that went through each person’s mind.

God always has a plan for carrying out His promises. God instructed Joshua what to do to solve their problem. The Priests that were carrying the Ark of the Covenant were to stand in the water at the edge of the Jordan River. As soon as the Priests feet touched the water, the waters parted. Then the Priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, stood on dry land in the middle of the river until the entire nation of Israel had crossed over into the Promised Land. Have you ever wondered about the anticipation that the Priests had waiting to see what God was going to do?

The anticipation of doing something new is often accompanied by an element of fear. The Priests must have been a bit fearful to step into the raging river; nevertheless they stepped out in faith in obedience to God’s command.

We all run into obstacles in our life that stand between us and what God wants us to do. In order for God to help us get around the obstacles we must trust Him and do what is right and not be afraid to step out in faith. If fear had kept the Priests from stepping into the river Jordan, they would have allowed the river to be an obstacle that would have kept them from what they had so long anticipated --- entering the Promised Land.

LEARNING:

This week’s memory verse is found in Romans 12:2.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”

PRAYER:

Lord, help me to anticipate receiving God’s blessings in my life. Help me to overcome the obstacles in my life that stand between me and You. Help our family to renew our relationship with You and each other.