Joshua must have been surprised the day Moses died. Joshua might have expected a week of mourning, months of memorial services, and commemorative banquets. Instead, God gave him new marching orders: “‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.’” (Joshua 1:2, NIV)
Do you understand the craziness of these first few words? Joshua had been stuck in the desert for 40 years. He’d followed Moses for over 41 years, and yet, God commanded Joshua to cross over right away. There was no long, smooth transition of leadership. There were no new courses or plans.
Just as God spoke to Joshua, I believe He is speaking to you and me in this crazy season. It’s time to cross over. That’s why I wrote Crossover. I’ve been leaning on it and applying it to my situation, and it’s working. God has done so much in my life, ministry, and business during the shutdowns. It’s incredible.
I’ve got to be honest with you…I was caught off guard by this pandemic. We had over 110 staff members in Las Vegas and France. We were financially supporting other ministries worldwide. Suddenly, I felt like the roof caved in. I was overwhelmed, discouraged, and stressed out. Can you relate? I thought about retiring, quitting, and walking away from the whole mess, but I sought help with a clinic in California. Rest, counseling, supplements, and coaching helped me turn the corner.
I’ll never forget the day at Prayer Mountain in Las Vegas when God totally surprised me. I was talking to Him about my big transition out of the full-time ministry. I had a great plan. I was excited to hand over the church I had led for 28 years. But in a moment of complete surrender, I blurted out these fateful words: “Lord, but not my will; I want Your will.” To my shock and trepidation, I received a mental download that lasted about an hour. I wrote down everything I was hearing in my brain. Those three pages of notes have changed my life, career, and ministry. I’m sure Joshua felt the same way as the Lord directed him to lead the people to cross over and possess their promised land.
Could it be that God may communicate with you in a similar fashion? I believe He will because you are a miracle.
