September 2007: The Overwhelm (Pt 2)

“And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the Lord spake unto Joshua, saying, take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man, and command ye them, saying take you hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place where the priests’ feet stood firm, twelve stones, and ye shall carry them over with you, and leave them in the lodging place, where ye shall lodge this night…And these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” Joshua 4:1-3,7c

In August, we saw that there is a process and a reason for the times we are overwhelmed. This month we look at “Making It Count”. Make what count? Whatever we have had to face; whatever we have had to die to; whatever has caused us to struggle to maintain our victory. Oh! I hear some say we should not have to struggle. Well, whatever anyone’s viewpoint on that is I know saints of old battled with things – internal and external – to maintain their walk with God and fulfil their purpose. Jacob wrestled in the night and his name was changed to Israel (Gen 32:22-28); Esther had conflict within herself about going to see the King unsummoned but ended up saving the entire Jewish nation (Esther 4:10-17); Paul stated he had fears within and fightings without yet continued to be a major apostle and proponent for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 7:5) In fact, in Eph 6:12 we are taught “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rules of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”. So, who are we that we should even think we will experience no struggles of any sort? The truth is that, in spite of any type of struggle, we can say, with all confidence, “NAY!!!! We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM that loved us.” Rom 8:37.

After the Children of Israel passed over Jordan River on dry land, God commanded that 12 stones should be taken and kept for a memorial. What they had just passed through was not to be forgotten – by them or any future generation. This was not about the Israelites being boastful or trying to get attention. NO! This was God Himself wanting them to remember but why?

In the heat of battle, in great emotional turmoil we think we will never forget any pertinent lessons; we think we will remember everything God has spoken to us; we believe our battle scars will forever be prominent but, in time, the scars, lessons and words can fade unless deliberately recorded. Having a memorial reminds us of God’s power, faithfulness and love. It reminds us of the truth that in spite of how we felt – fearful, angry, not knowing what the future would hold – we submitted ourselves and obeyed and so saw the results. We are reminded that the relationship we have with God is special and matters – not just to us but to God Himself.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. The stones could not be taken from just anywhere in the vicinity. They had to be gathered from the very place where the priests feet had stood in the water (Joshua 4:3); where they had to believe God for dry land so they could cross over. From the very place where your heart-pounded; where your sweat turned hot and cold; from where you could taste the salt of your own tears – right there…right there – gather your memorial stones.

2. Although the stones were a trophy of God’s faithfulness released by the Children of Israel’s obedience, these stones were not to be carried around. Whoever went to Jordan river would see this memorial, a permanent witness “…and they are there unto this day.” (Joshua 4:9b) They were to be left in the lodging place. Set your trophies of victory down as an offering to God. What does this mean practically? There are areas of our lives where we need to set landmarks: testimonies of healing; marriage restoration; victories in ministry; released from dead relationships; overcoming temptations; financial release plus many, many more. Others will be able to see these memorial stones in our lives and benefit from them. When they too need to pass over their Jordan on dry land wondering “is it possible?” They will see the memorial stones you laid and know, through obedience to God, that “YES – it is possible.”

It is possible to have a marriage restored; to have no job and see God’s supply coming to you through others; to launch out into a new dimension of ministry without an abundance of finance; to raise godly children in this era; to believe Jesus and do greater things than He did; to speak the Word and see it manifest in your life

What memorial stones do you have to remind you of God’s deliverance? What exists to remind you that you DID die to that situation/that person so no current or future similarity has to overcome you? What is the landmark you have so you can testify to your children – natural and spiritual – of what it means for you and for them? In every relationship, there is something, a token that signifies the weight and value of that relationship and what has taken place and it is no less regarding our relationship with God. God put a rainbow in the sky as a memorial and a promise that He would never destroy the earth again with a flood. (Genesis 9:13-17)

Whatever you pass through – make it count!

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Rev Marjorielyn R Campbell