From the very beginning when I signed up for this year’s journey everyone asked, “which country are you most excited about?” My answer was always Jordan because of the biblical significance.
I was most excited about one spot, a river named after the very country we were visiting, the Jordan River.
What was cool, is reading the book of Joshua in the Bible and seeing how the Israelites were led through this body of water which is not very big but very important, separating the people from the Promised Land. Can’t you just imagine the excitement after not having a place to settle in for 40 years and losing an entire generation, you are about to step into a promise from God, the Creator of the universe. You finally can stop wandering through deserts and walk into a land worth fighting for and own what God promised.
Not only was this area the place where the people crossed into their land flowing with milk and honey, but this is the same body of water that John the Baptist baptized people in. And the most important person being — JESUS CHRIST!!!
We got to the edge of the water and either got in or got to wash our hands in the water. When we were walking away I got emotional (shocking, I know) thinking that I just washed my hands in the same body of water that our Savior was baptized in. Come on, how surreal is that?!
We also got to go to Mount Nebo which is a spot in Jordan where Moses was taken to be shown the Promised Land before he died (Deuteronomy 32:48–52). It was amazing the view from up there, you really could see it all and I can just imagine the mixed feelings Moses had as he saw God’s promise but knew he wouldn’t get to experience it for himself.
As I’m writing this, God revealed that they didn’t cross the Jordan and have cabana boys, crystal waters, umbrellas in cocktails, or whatever our human idea of what a lavished land promised to us might look like. They crossed and had to go to battle, they had to fight for what God said was theirs. Often times we water down the Bible and this Christian life and think when we believe that we will have an easier life or prosperity in abundance, but what we are actually promised is suffering and a life with the comfort of the Holy Spirt, guidance from the Father and friendship with the Son.
God’s people from the beginning have always had to fight against the world. But don’t worry He gives us the armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) to put on. We might not have to fight flesh and blood like Joshua and his armies did but we still fight the powers of darkness in this world and the spiritual realm. So we have a promise of eternal life in Christ alone but the promise doesn’t negate the battle in this life.
As I am nearing the end of this wild year, I understand (in the tiniest way) how it feels to wander in lands that are not yours. But it sure does make home feel even more special and worth fighting for, and I don’t necessarily mean on this Earth.
Hey Amy! Such a sweet way to remember the time that God brought us through Jordan! Amy, I am so thankful that the Lord has given you moments that are so memorable and are Ebenezars for your faith. Love you girl!
Beautiful!! What a life changing experience! Thanks for always sharing your insights and taking us along with you. God is good!! Love you!
We will all make it the promise land as we continue to “fight” in this “life’s journey”!!! However it works, I can’t wait to tell my Mom and Dad how much I love them for how much they loved me!!!!
So excited for your journey, and your sharing. I was in Jordan in March, also at Mount Nebo. What an spiritual feeling that was. Safe travels home. I have left Passport Health, but will always cherish getting to know you and follow you on this life changing adventure! Blessings always! ❤️
We visited Jordan in September of last year. Several in our group were even baptized in the Jordan River. The rest of us only got our feet wet. I have enjoyed reading your blogs. I’m sure your faith has grown even more while on this journey. God bless you as you share your faith story with others.