Cross Over, Don’t Camp Out - Connect Group Discussion Guide

Scripture

“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest…” Joshua 3:15
“…When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God… move out from your positions and follow it.” Joshua 3:3
“…as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water… stopped flowing…” Joshua 3:15–16

Additional Scripture References

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…” Isaiah 43:2
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him…” Psalm 37:23–24
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…” Proverbs 3:5–6

Main Idea

God never called us to pitch a tent in comfort when the promise is right in front of us. He calls us to step out—while the waters are still wild. Real faith isn’t shown by what we avoid. It’s proven by what we’re willing to walk into.

Don’t Let the Flood Fool You

“Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest…” Joshua 3:15

Overview

The Israelites had reached the finish line—almost. Forty years in the wilderness. One river left to cross. But it wasn’t calm, clear water. It was a raging flood. From a human view, it was the worst possible moment to cross. Logic said, “Wait.” Faith said, “Step.”

And here’s the thing: God often sets the stage in impossible moments. Not to make things harder for us, but to show His presence in the middle of it. The size of the flood doesn’t mean the promise is gone—it might mean you’re standing right at the edge of it.

Fear magnifies the flood. Faith magnifies the God who rules over it.

Deeper Dive

History tells us the Jordan in flood season could stretch a mile wide with dangerous currents. Crossing was humanly impossible. Yet God has a pattern—Red Sea, Goliath, Lazarus—He works best when things seem hopeless. Flood moments in life—health scares, financial hits, shut doors—aren’t stop signs. They’re invitations to see Him work up close.

Question

What “flood” are you facing right now, and how can you focus on God’s presence instead of the problem?

Follow the Presence, Not Your Plan

“When you see the ark of the covenant… move out from your positions and follow it.” Joshua 3:3

Overview

In the chaos, Joshua gave one key instruction: watch for the ark. The ark meant God’s presence was leading. Their success wasn’t in strategy or timing—it was in letting God go first.

When life feels unstable, we tend to plan harder. More lists. More backup plans. But God’s way flips that: don’t move until He moves. And when He does, follow. No hesitation.

When the waters are wild, let the presence lead.

Deeper Dive

The ark stayed ahead so everyone could see it—symbolizing God’s leadership into the unknown. “Keep a distance” wasn’t just reverence—it was so the people wouldn’t lose sight of Him. Spiritually, it’s about shifting from self-reliance to Spirit-dependence. Sometimes following Him means leaving behind comfort, predictability, or even your own “good” ideas.

Question

Where in your life do you need to stop forcing your plan and start following God’s presence?

Step In While the Water’s Still Moving

“…as soon as the priests… touched the water’s edge, the water… stopped flowing…” Joshua 3:15–16

Overview

God didn’t tell the priests to wait for the river to calm down. No promises of a dry crossing ahead of time. Just a call: Step in while it’s still dangerous.

This is faith in action. Moving before there’s proof. Acting before there’s a guarantee. And here’s the ripple effect—when the priests obeyed, they made a way for the whole nation. Your obedience might open the door for someone else’s miracle.

God’s power isn’t activated by intention—it’s released by obedience.

Deeper Dive

Faith steps first; God moves next. Throughout the Bible—Peter casting his net, the ten lepers walking to the priest, the widow pouring oil—obedience came before the miracle. The same principle still works today.

Question

What step is God asking you to take before you see anything change?

Summary

The Israelites stood at the edge of their promise with a flood in front of them. God didn’t say, “Wait for better conditions.” He said, “Go.” Don’t let fear make you camp out when God’s presence is on the move. Follow Him. Step in while the water’s still messy. That’s where miracles and faith collide.