CROSSING DIFFICULT RIVERS

CROSSING DIFFICULT RIVERS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 3:1-17
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:2, Exodus 14:13-31, Psalm 66:12, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Hebrews 11:29

INTRODUCTION:
In every believer’s journey, there will be moments when one must face seemingly impossible situations—rivers too deep to cross, burdens too heavy to carry, and obstacles too great to overcome. These rivers represent trials, challenges, transitions, and turning points. But God does not abandon His children in these critical moments; rather, He manifests His power in extraordinary ways when His people face “difficult rivers.”

Crossing difficult rivers is not a suggestion but a necessity. The children of Israel could not enter the Promised Land without crossing the Jordan. Likewise, for every new level, there is often a river to cross. The good news is that God specialises in making a way where there seems to be no way.

This message will equip us with divine strategies and spiritual insights on how to overcome life's deepest rivers with faith, courage, and divine support.

1. RECOGNISE THE RIVER BEFORE YOU
Every journey to destiny will present challenges that must be acknowledged and faced head-on.

a) Understanding Your Jordan (Joshua 3:15)
Jordan overflowed its banks during harvest; the timing of the trial often seems worst.

b) Identify the Weight of Your Challenge (Psalm 66:12)
You may go through fire and water before coming into your wealthy place.

c) Every Difficulty Is a Door to Divine Intervention (Isaiah 43:2)
God promises to be with us even when we pass through the waters.

d) Do Not Deny the Difficulty—Confront It in Faith (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
We may be pressed, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.

Biblical Example: The Israelites at the Red Sea—They saw the obstacle, but God opened the sea (Exodus 14:10-16).

2. FOLLOW DIVINE INSTRUCTIONS WITH PRECISION
God’s methods may seem unusual, but they always produce results when obeyed.

a) Wait on God's Command Before You Move (Joshua 3:3-4)
The people were to move only when the ark moved.

b) Keep Your Eyes on God, Not the River (Hebrews 12:2)
Looking unto Jesus enables us to walk above circumstances.

c) Obedience Unlocks Miracles (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Even when it doesn’t make sense, follow divine instructions.

d) Avoid Human Calculations in Divine Matters (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding.

Biblical Example: Naaman’s healing—Though the Jordan looked ordinary, obedience brought a miracle (2 Kings 5:10-14).

3. STEP INTO THE WATER BY FAITH
Faith is the bridge that connects you to the miraculous.

a) The Waters Won’t Move Until You Step In (Joshua 3:13)
God waits for your obedience before releasing His power.

b) Faith Is Proved by Action, Not Just Confession (James 2:17)
Faith without works is dead.

c) Fear Delays the Crossing—Courage Activates It (Isaiah 41:10)
Do not be afraid, for God is with you.

d) God Meets You in the Midst of the Waters (Matthew 14:29)
Peter walked on water when he responded to Jesus' call.

Biblical Example: The Priests Who Carried the Ark—The Jordan didn’t part until their feet touched the water (Joshua 3:15-16).

4. EXPECT GOD TO MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE IS NONE
He is the Way Maker, the Miracle Worker, and the River Divider.

a) God Can Suspend Nature for His Purpose (Joshua 3:16)
The waters stood in a heap far away.

b) Your Obstacle Will Become Your Testimony (Psalm 114:3-7)
The sea saw it and fled; the Jordan turned back.

c) What Stops Others Will Open for You (Isaiah 45:2)
God will go before you and level mountains.

d) Miracles Leave a Mark for Future Generations (Joshua 4:6-7)
The stones of remembrance declare what God has done.

Biblical Example: Jesus Calming the Storm—Nature bowed to the Creator (Mark 4:39).

5. CROSS OVER INTO YOUR PROMISED LAND
There is victory, rest, and new beginnings on the other side of the river.

a) Rivers Are Passageways, Not Permanent Residences (Psalm 23:4)
Yea, though I walk through the valley...

b) You Were Not Meant to Drown—You Were Meant to Pass Through (Isaiah 43:2)
Waters shall not overflow you.

c) Celebrate the Crossing—It’s a Sign of Divine Help (Exodus 15:1–2)
Moses and the Israelites sang a song of victory after crossing.

d) You Are Stepping Into Fulfilment, Enlargement, and Rest (Deuteronomy 11:10–12)
The Promised Land is watered by the Lord Himself.

Biblical Example: The Israelites Entering Canaan—Crossing Jordan marked the beginning of possession (Joshua 3:17–4:1).

CONCLUSION:
No river is too wide, too deep, or too difficult for God to help you cross. Just like He did for Israel, He will make a way for you. Recognise the challenge, follow His instruction, step out in faith, and watch the impossible become possible. Every difficult river before you will dry up at the presence of your God. What looks like a barrier now will soon become your testimony of triumph.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to identify and confront every difficult river in my life.
2. Father, teach me to follow Your divine instructions with faith and precision.
3. I receive the courage to step out in obedience, even when the path is unclear.
4. Let every obstacle before me part by the power of Your name.
5. Father, bring me into my Promised Land in this season.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall cross every difficult river standing between you and your next level!
2. No challenge will drown you—God is holding your hand through the waters!
3. Divine instructions will guide you into undeniable miracles!
4. The rivers of resistance shall part before your faith and obedience!
5. You are stepping into your season of fulfilment and divine possession!