Memorial Stones: Crossing Over with Purpose

This morning in Joshua, I was reminded that God doesn’t just rescue us from something, He rescues us FOR something.

Joshua 4:23–24

“For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over… so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you may always fear the LORD your God.”

There was a time in my life when I was wandering in a wilderness of darkness, separated from God by sin, brokenness, and my own choices. I was weary, dry, and unsure if freedom was even possible. But when I finally cried out to the Lord in repentance and full surrender, He made a way where there was no way.

Just as He dried up the Red Sea and the Jordan River, God intervened in my life with power only He could display. He carried me through what I couldn’t survive on my own. I crossed over not because I was strong, but because His hand was mighty.

Joshua 4 reminds us that God told His people to build a memorial after crossing the river. Why?

So they would never forget who brought them through.

So their children and the nations would know this was the Lord’s doing.

Our testimonies are those memorial stones.

The places God delivered us from aren’t meant to shame us, they’re meant to glorify Him. When we remember where we were and who He’s become to us, our lives proclaim this truth: God still rescues. God still redeems. God is still mighty.

And now, having crossed over, our purpose is clear, not to return to the wilderness, but to live in reverence, obedience, and gratitude. To walk humbly. To speak honestly. To testify boldly.

May we never forget the waters He parted for us.

May we never forget the price He paid to bring us home.

And may our lives make it known to the people beside us, to our children, grandchildren, and to the world, that the hand of the Lord is strong, and He alone is worthy of all glory.