Unhurried: A 5-Day Challenge to Slow Your Pace and Fix Your Eyes on JesusSample

Dip Your Toe

Often, in the Old Testament, the Lord gave instructions to His people one step at a time. It was only when they had completed the step that they knew what to do next.

Shortly after the death of Moses, Joshua assumed command of the Israelites who had been wandering in the desert, and the Lord gave him instructions to cross the Jordan River and enter the promised land.

Joshua knew enemies awaited him beyond the river, but he also knew this land was promised to his people. But the first step to conquering and living in the place God had designed for them was to cross the river.

I obviously wasn’t there, but I can imagine it was somewhat of a chaotic scene. Mothers looking around taking headcounts of all their children, calling out names. Kids yelling, running, and constantly asking, “How much longer?” Men carrying large loads including their tents and family’s belongings. The overwhelming noise of people, animals, and now, rushing water. Crossing the river must have felt daunting.

“So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away. . . . And the people passed over opposite Jericho.” (Josh. 3:14–16)

Did you catch that? It was only when the feet of the priests were dipped in the water that the water stopped flowing.

Scripture doesn’t tell us if those priests were reluctant or fearful or hesitant, but it does tell us their feet had to enter the water first. I think if it was me, I would’ve felt much more confident if the raging water stopped and cleared for me before I had to step in. However, it’s the first dipping of a toe that displays true obedience. They were willing to step in, trusting the Lord would make a way even as the water flowed.

Are you standing in front of a raging river when it comes to the chaos and pace of your life? Does it feel like there’s no way the water will part to allow you to pass through? Maybe it’s time to dip your toe.

Dipping your toe into an unhurried life could look like:

●Setting a timer to spend several minutes in prayer each morning before reaching for your phone.

●Saying no to just one thing this week.

●Initiating a conversation with a friend at a time that feels inconvenient for you.

●Scheduling one hour of “free” time. Or, in other words, designating a time to be open to whatever God has for you.

●Choosing the longest line at the grocery store and praying for the people in front of you.

These aren’t massive life changes or drastic measures to take, but they are small steps of obedience that reflect growth and a desire to pursue God’s purposes above your own. \

Today’s Challenge: Dip Your Toe

Living unhurried starts with making small changes, little by little, to focus your day on God and His purposes over your plans. Don’t try to do it all. Instead, ask God what one thing He wants you to do to slow your pace and become more like Him today.

After Reading the Passages, Answer:

1. What does this teach me about God?
2. How should I order my days as a result?

Scripture Passages:

●Joshua 3

●1 Timothy 4:6-10

We hope this plan encouraged you and helped you to become a little more like Jesus! Learn more about Unhurried: An Invitation to Slow Down, Create Margin, and Surrender Control to God here.