SOAP = Scripture Observation Application Prayer
S: Joshua 3-5
O: This is the anatomy of a new beginning. Israel is beginning again. We see them leaving an old leader and following a new one. They cross over a new body of water miraculously on dry ground just like when they left slavery in Egypt. The men all go through the circumcision ritual and in doing so bring themselves and their families back into the covenant.
They are trying to believe this God they have followed through the dessert through their whole childhoods and live like the free people he has taught them to be. They are facing enemies with terrifying power and strength and cities with bigger walls then they have ever seen.
There are tantalizing promises of a home for nomads and prosperity to replace their poverty. But the trust that this demands is huge. The number of unknowns is colossal. And there is pain in this new beginning for them. They build a memorial to this crossing over into a new land that will remind future generations about this new start, so that they will remember it all. They want to remember the God who brought them here.
A: This is what new beginnings are like for me. I have to leave behind what is familiar. I have to follow new leadings or new leaders. I have to recommit to following God in this new season. There is such excitement and hope. There is such fear of the unknown and pain about what I’m leaving behind. And I need to remember the truth about God’s faithfulness.
P: God as I start new things, whether big changes in my life or even small ones like waking up this morning, please help me to remember you. Help me to keep my eyes focused on who you are and what you are doing in me and through me. Thanks for new starts and the grace of your presence in those new places.
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Posted on
Mon, October 17, 2011
by Jonna Fantz