by Shirley Cooper
How did Joshua and Israelites take the promised Land? It is a question I sometimes ponder on. The answer could boil down to that they heard from God and took a small step. They literally put one foot in front of another and the walls of Jericho fell. But have you ever stopped to wonder about the distance that is in-between God saying something to you and you then taking that small step? Sometimes we argue with God or maybe we say tomorrow will do. Other times God holds back, and we can be left with a feeling of frustration or confusion however God is faithful. He says in Isaiah: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”.
I know that there have been many times when I have stood there and asked how do I do this? Then I tell myself one step at a time. I say just take a step, that is how every journey begins, with a step.
During a recent conversation with Esther, I was saying that when the ‘story of glory’ is fully written, it’s easy to see how God has moved, but when you’re at the beginning of a faith adventure it’s difficult to see how it will work out. But I know as we step out in establishing a BTBAB base in Liverpool: “We will see the goodness of God in the land of the living”. I know that we laugh at days to come, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. We are praying for God to order our steps and I would love you join us in praying for this new adventure.
Joshua was given very practical instructions on how to take the city of Jericho, which he followed and led the Israelites to a resounding victory. We have heard the word of God to move to the City of Liverpool. This means that Esther will be moving to Liverpool, and we have to find a base. We are in that in-between place of taking the first steps, towards what God has said, and seeing it all work out. It’s a place of faith, of stretching and holding onto God, being confident that He will show us the way. I would love to say the story of glory is written and we can see what God has done, but we are the start, taking one step at a time. However, we are confident that God can do immeasurably more that we can ask think or imagine.
