Crossing Over

At various points in my leadership journey it has become clear that we are at a crossing over point. Something new is on the horizon and it is time to courageously lead from here (our current reality) to there (the future God is inviting us into). The scriptures are full of references to these moments…

“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jeremiah 6:16

All of us in our own unique ways are invited to lead in crossing over from what has been to what the Lord is inviting our team or organisation into.

Here are five reflections inspired by Joshua 3 on leading a crossing over:

1. Discern the Moment

The people of Israel knew something new was on the horizon as they set out from Shittim and came near to the banks of the Jordan. God was calling them to cross over. They were on the brink of entry into the place God had promised them! But they paused there, rather than plunging into the river and forging across. They prepared for their crossing over. Their leaders had spied out the land. The officers had alerted them to be ready to move, saying “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.” Joshua 3:3 The ark, symbolising the presence of God, would lead them, and they would follow. As leaders we must prioritise prayerful discernment to reflect on where God’s presence is leading you to cross over and how to effectively communicate what you are seeing and hearing from Him with your team?

2. Discern what you must leave behind

To enter into the new place of promise, you must discern what needs to be left behind. It takes courage to assess what ways of being or doing need to be left in the past in order to embrace the new thing God is doing. You are going somewhere totally new and if you carry forward anything that the Lord hasn’t asked you to it will become baggage to sort when you cross over into the new thing God is doing. Yes the waters part to create a passage through but they also close behind to delineate between the past season and the current reality. Ask what has the Lord asked us to leave on this side? What do we need to let go of to enter in with freedom and embrace the new?

3. Embrace the unknown

“When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, 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.” Joshua 3:2 Crossing over is often a call into a way we haven’t been before. This can be disorientating as a leader because it is new territory for us. It takes us out of our well worn paths. You see the truth is even wilderness seasons can get comfortable. Yes, we get tired of going in circles but we know what to expect – daily manna and the pillar by day and the fire by night. Leadership can feel secure, safe, and predictable. But when God calls us forward into a way that we have never been before – He calls us to follow Him into the unknown and this is an invitation into deeper trust. You may not have been this way before but you know who you are following, and that is the key to remaining obedient to the call to cross over. Check in with yourself and your team – Ask what could prevent us from crossing? What gift of grace would enable us to cross in to the unknown?

4. Expect Miracles as you move

As you move forward, the waters will open up to clear your way forward (Josh 3:13). All too often, we want the whole plan upfront. But God delights in our faith (Hebrews 6:11). As leaders we have to learn to step into the invitation to cross over in faith and trust that God will make a way where there is no way. He may give one step at a time, or a more detailed plan. He knows exactly what you need. You just need to start moving, taking steps in faith. There are only two choices – to stay on the side of the wilderness, or to courageously move ahead. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Where do you need to begin to make a move in faith? Where do you need to lean in to kingdom risk?

5. Keep the bigger picture in mind

In the midst of the discomfort of change keep the bigger picture in mind. As they crossed over, God asked His people to gather 12 stones from the river, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, as a testimony for generations to come (Joshua 4:6-7) When God faithfully gets us to the other side, we have a responsibility to declare what God has done. This is our legacy. This is our inheritance. To inspire and encourage other leaders and those who come after us saying – If God did this for us, He will also do this for you. These moments of crossing over not only mark us but leave a mark for the next generation. So lead well by communicating the bigger picture creatively and consistently with your people. And ask yourself and your team – what legacy do we hope to leave as we lead a crossing over?
Take courage dear one as you lead a crossing over from here to there.