The Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, 'When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'" -Joshua 3:7-8
 
Can you think of a time when you were about to embark on a big challenge or new endeavor? Maybe you are in that place right now, at the start of a new year. God had some very important advice for Joshua as he is getting ready to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Before he went ahead, God told him to stand still in the Jordan River. Why do you think he asked Joshua to do that
 
At times like these, it is important to know that God is present with you and position yourself to listen, to trust, to follow - even if you think you already know where you're headed. Sometimes when I have a clear sense of what I need to do next, I can have the attitude of, "Thanks for everything, God; I can take it from her.," But this part of the story reminds me God's ongoing presence and how Joshua is instructed to stand still in the water. God has a plan. Both Joshua and Moses are called to lead by following God first. I believe that we are called to do the same. Our first priority is to follow God.
 
Have you ever heard this ancient Jewish saying, "May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi"? It is meant to encourage us to be good disciples who follow your rabbi, your teacher, so closely that you get dusty from the dirt he kicks up as he walks. Follow not only what he teaches but also where he goes and what he does. I pray that you will respond to God's call to follow and as a result be covered in the dust of our Teacher, Jesus Christ.

Prayer for Today 

God our Teacher, Help us to stand still and listen for your guidance so that we can put our trust in your and follow where you will us. In Christ's Name, Amen.