Fasting Devotional – Day Five Text: Joshua 4:14-24 Written by: Shayne Gatlin
Thoughts
In Exodus, leading up to this passage, God had delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians and led them to the Promised Land. The problem was the Israelites doubted God and His goodness repeatedly. The Israelites had many doubts and fears and complained that the path was too hard and wanted to go back to Egypt where they were slaves. Our passage in Joshua 4:14-24: God has chosen Joshua to lead the people of Israel to the Promised Land. God parted the sea and allowed all of Israel to cross over. God had them gather 12 stones from the Jordan River (vs 5) and piled them up at Gilgal as a memorial to remind all the nations of the earth that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and they might fear the Lord (vs 24). A reminder that God fulfilled His promise to Israel.
I can relate to the Israelites. My family is a foster family, and the journey has been challenging and there have been days that I’ve said this path is too hard. I have questioned and doubted God’s plan and wanted to go back to when things were easier. Our first placement, Noah, came to us at 6 months old. We cared for him for almost a year and made a Christmas ornament for him in 2017. We found out later in December of 2017 that he would be going back to his biological mom. It was a hard transition and I thought about no longer fostering after he left. We kept that ornament and continued to pray for Noah and his journey, and we’ve hung it on our tree for the past 5 years. Fast forward to today and Noah is now 6 years old, and he came back to live with us in March of last year. This Christmas Noah was able to hang his ornament on our tree. Noah’s decoration “Stone” is something we will be able to continue to look at every year and be reminded of God’s promises and his goodness.
Challenge
When God shows you his faithfulness and goodness, find your “Stone” that you can keep and be reminded of God’s love for you and that He is Good!
Prayer
I thank you for your reminders, “Stones”, that you are a good, good Father. That I’m loved and you're always with me. I pray that I will continue to gather “Stones” throughout my life to help me continue to praise you along this journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen!