Are You Waiting for the Miracle Before You Move?

Most people want God to move first.
Split the river, part the sea, clear the path—and then we’ll walk.

But what if God is waiting for you to move before He shows you the miracle?

In Joshua 3, God’s people stood at the edge of the Jordan River. It wasn’t calm or easy to cross—it was in full flood stage. Yet this was the moment. This was the place. And this was the command: step into the river.

The priests, carrying the Ark of the Covenant—a representation of God’s presence—were told to go first. And as Scripture says, “when the ones carrying the ark reach the Jordan and the feet of the priest... touch the surface of the water... the water... stopped flowing” (Joshua 3:15–16).

Not before. After.

God didn’t part the water ahead of time. He moved after obedience.

That’s a pattern we see throughout Scripture and often in our own lives. God calls us to take a step of faith before everything makes sense. Before the outcome is guaranteed. Before the miracle is visible.

And that can feel terrifying.

The mind starts racing. Emotions flare. What if it doesn’t work? What if I fail? What if this is all just foolishness?

But if God has spoken—if the Holy Spirit is prompting, guiding, convicting—then it's not foolish. It’s obedience. And obedience is where the miracle begins.

Let’s not miss the beauty in this: God’s presence went ahead of them. The Ark led the way. God didn’t shout instructions from a distance—He went with them, just like He does today. Through the Holy Spirit, God doesn’t just direct us—He dwells in us. He empowers us to take steps we could never take on our own.

Still, we often hesitate. We want confirmation. We want every variable nailed down. But as the transcript reminds us: “The soles of your feet are going to have to get wet before the river will part.”

This isn’t about reckless risk. It’s about discerning God’s voice—through His Word, through prayer, through wise counsel—and then obeying, even when it’s scary.

The miracle is on the other side of your obedience.

So the question is: Are you waiting for the river to part before you move?

Or will you take the step, get your feet wet, and trust that God—who’s done it before—can and will do it again?

1. What’s one situation in your life right now where you're waiting for a “miracle” before making a move?
   How do you think God might be inviting you to take a step of faith first?

2. Read Joshua 3:15–16. Why do you think God waited until the priests’ feet touched the water before stopping the river? What does this tell you about how God works?

3. Have you ever taken a step of faith without knowing how it would turn out? Share what happened—whether it turned out the way you expected or not.

4. What does it practically look like to discern if God is really leading you in a specific direction? How do you tell the difference between faith and impulse?

5. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit give you confidence when you're uncertain or afraid? What spiritual habits help you stay tuned in to His voice?