I love the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. In Joshua 1:6-9, God tells Joshua three times to "be strong and courageous." This is the life event that the Israelites have been preparing for since their birth, whether they knew it or not. God has been faithful to them. Many stories exist to prove his faithfulness thus far in their lives. But here they are in front of the most terrifying thing they have yet had to face.
In chapter 3, verse 3-4, the command goes out: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God (that is, the symbol of God's presence and power) . . . you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before." So the people break camp and prepare to cross the Jordan River which, verse 15 says, is at flood stage. And it is when "their feet touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away. . . while the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground." The miracle didn't happen while they stood on the shore watching, only when they stepped into the river. So God said to me today: Look behind you. Can you see my faithfulness? Remember that time and this time and that time when I didn't leave you? But this is new territory. Overwhelming. Frightening. You are going to have to watch for my presence and follow me because you have not been this way before. Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified. I will go with you. But you are going to have to trust me enough to step into the flood before the rushing waters will stop. And when you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Have there been moments, hours, days of fear in the last two weeks? Yes. But when I look behind me, I see God. I see his faithfulness. When I look in front of me, I see a lot of unknowns. But I also see God. I see his faithfulness. Prayer request. Katie is tolerating the chemo well so far, but she is taking a lot of medicine to prevent nausea which then causes her to be very drowsy. It would be great to find a happy spot in the middle where she can be alert but not sick. Thanks for the many prayers. Blessings, Sarah
29 Comments
Christa Berry
11/5/2016 11:43:28 pm
Love ❤️ and prayers 🙏🏻
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Jennifer E.
11/6/2016 12:05:44 am
Your strong faith during such a difficult time is such an inspiration! Continued love and prayers! Let me know if you need anything! ❤
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Natalie Addesa
11/6/2016 12:06:04 am
Praying for Katie now! You and Chad are such a testimony to your faith in God. Thank u for letting us walk with you all through this rough journey by keeping us updated on this blog.
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Mark C.
11/6/2016 01:10:49 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sarah.
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Joyce Jarrell
11/6/2016 05:43:27 am
Continued love & prayers for all ~ 🙏
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Karole
11/6/2016 06:35:43 am
Beautiful words Sarah. Amazed at your strength and wisdom.
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Sarah Albert Wears
11/6/2016 06:38:58 am
Love and prayers!
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Travis Ownbey
11/6/2016 06:41:59 am
Love and prayers!!!!
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11/6/2016 06:59:50 am
Thoughts and prayers often daily for all of your needs.
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Alan & Conni Caldwell
11/6/2016 07:17:21 am
Standing with you and praying fervently for sweet Katie and your family. Trusting God!
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Seth Broadhurst
11/6/2016 07:23:17 am
That's a great word, Sarah. Our family is praying for Katie and your entire family daily. May God do amazing things among you. (Joshua 3)
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Tonya Workman Cooper
11/6/2016 07:24:10 am
Love and prayers for your family ❤️
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Amy Landers
11/6/2016 07:40:54 am
Continued prayers!
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Patricia Stover
11/6/2016 08:05:47 am
Beautifully written. Prayers for your daughter, you and your family.
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Joy Holbrook
11/6/2016 08:29:22 am
Prayers for Katie and your family. Pray the Lord will give a total healing to her body. Prayers for comfort and peace and strength.
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Bryn
11/6/2016 08:32:07 am
Your faith and your words are beautiful. Lifting you, Katie and the rest of the family in prayer. ❤️
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Kelly
11/6/2016 08:38:08 am
Katie sweet child , we will pray for you ! God to restore you and make you new!!
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Carla Campbell
11/6/2016 09:00:24 am
Praying for Katie! Sending you our love and
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11/6/2016 09:00:57 am
Praying for Katie! Sending you our love and
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Debbie Orrison
11/6/2016 09:19:42 am
Sending your sweet family continued love and prayers💜🙏🏻
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Diana
11/6/2016 09:46:25 am
Thinking of you guys every day and praying for good results. Remembering your extended family as well and hoping you will feel strengthened by leaning on one another. God bless you all.
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Kelly
11/6/2016 01:02:24 pm
I read your post this morning before service and started to write a comment, but the words didn't come. During our service someone read these passages from Isaiah and they went along with His promises from the story you shared from Joshua:
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Mendi
11/6/2016 05:01:10 pm
💗
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Mendi
11/6/2016 05:00:11 pm
I knew these were words from you before reading your name. Praying for your strength and courage Sarah!!! Love & Hugs💞
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Tim Bolick
11/6/2016 05:01:00 pm
You've got it. Praying for balance of the meds and cancer free!
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Amy Preston
11/6/2016 06:36:49 pm
God Bless Miss Katie!!!! Love and prayers for healing!!!!!!
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Helen
11/6/2016 09:10:26 pm
Continued prayers for Katie!!
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Kevin Kemerer
11/7/2016 09:34:47 am
Lord, I pray you bless the Cobb family for walking out their faith for others to see. May the hope they share be contagious to others who are in need of a miracle. Thank you for protecting them. I pray health and peace in Jesus name.
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