Daily Devotional – Monday, July 13, 2026
Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.
Joshua 3:4 (NIV)
Israel stood on the banks of the Jordan, looking at the Promised Land. Behind them were forty years of wandering through the wilderness. Ahead was the land God had promised their ancestors, but there was one obvious problem. The Jordan River was swollen out of its banks, and there was no bridge, no boats, and no way to cross in sight. Their leader for decades, Moses, was gone. Joshua was now leading the nation into a future none of them had experienced. The people had never crossed this river or entered this land. Before they took a single step, Joshua gave them one simple instruction: keep your eyes on the Ark of the Covenant as it goes ahead of you.
Following God into the Unknown
There was a reason for that instruction: “Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. ” The Ark was a symbol of the presence of God with His people. God knew the journey. Israel didn’t have to know it all. Their confidence was not supposed to rest on experience, careful planning, or military strength. It rested on the Lord, who was leading them into territory that was unfamiliar to them but completely familiar to Him. The safest place they could be was behind the God who always knows the way.
Most of us know what it feels like to stand at our own Jordan River. It may be the first day in a new job, a move to another town, the birth of a child, a difficult diagnosis, the loss of someone we love, or a ministry opportunity that feels far beyond our abilities. Those moments can leave us questioning our ability to handle what lies ahead. There are times when no amount of experience can prepare us. We simply have never been this way before. Yet while the road is new to us, it has never been new to God. He sees every bend in the road, every hurdle, and every blessing.
Trusting God When the Future Feels Uncertain
If you find yourself in an unfamiliar season today, don’t let fear drive your decisions. Instead, keep your eyes on the Lord. Stay close to Him in His Word, fellowship with Him in prayer and choose to obey Him one step at a time. You don’t know what tomorrow holds, but you do know the One that’s already there. Just as He faithfully led Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land, He will faithfully lead you through every new season of your life. You have never been this way before, but your Guide has, and He will not lead you astray.
Prayer
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for going before me when the road ahead is unfamiliar. Help me to trust Your guidance over my own insight and to walk with You with confidence, because You always know the way.
