A faith lesson from Joshua 3:15–17 for Holy Spirit-led Christian coaches

When Faith Walks First

I’ve always found Joshua 3:15–17 to be one of those stories that hits close to home. It’s about standing at the edge, looking at the impossible, and stepping in anyway. The water didn’t part until the priests put their feet in the river. God didn’t show the miracle ahead of time—they had to move before anything happened.

If you’ve ever felt stuck at the edge, waiting, wondering, unsure if God will show up, this story is for you. It teaches us something vital: the miracle is in the movement.

The Story: Joshua 3:15–17 and the Power of Obedient Feet

Picture this: The Jordan River is swollen at flood stage—fast, muddy, and impossible-looking. The promised land is just across the way, but what’s in front of you feels overwhelming. God instructs the priests to carry the ark and walk straight in. No bridge. No pause. Just His word.

Only when their feet touch the water does the miracle begin. The water parts. The ground dries up. The people cross—not because the path was clear, but because they moved forward anyway.

The Priests Didn’t Hesitate. They Carried Faith.

Before anyone else could cross, the priests had to step out. Carrying the ark, symbolizing God’s presence, they walked straight into uncertainty. No dramatic speeches. No plan B. Just obedience.

They didn’t wait for the river to part; they activated the miracle with their steps. That’s what faith looks like: doing the next thing God said, even if the outcome isn’t visible yet.

Why Flood Stage Faith Matters

God chose the most inconvenient time—flood season—to show His power. Why? Because when God acts at the worst possible moment, His glory can’t be mistaken for human effort.

We all face “flood stage” moments in life:

• When bills are due, but you’re asked to give.
• When fear shouts louder than faith.
• When stepping forward feels like too much risk.

But those are the very moments God calls us to move.

Faith Moves First, Then the Water Parts

We often wait for clarity before we act. We want confirmation, security, and a plan. But Joshua 3 reminds us that:

• Forgiveness often comes before apologies.
• Obedience comes before confidence.
• The job application gets submitted before the open door.

Faith moves first, and God responds to movement.

Everyday Coaching Applications for Christian Coaches

In your coaching practice, you’ll meet clients standing at their own riverbanks. They’re waiting for certainty before taking action. Encourage them with this:

“You don’t need to see the dry land to take a step. You just need to obey what God already said.”

Practical ways to step in faith—even when it’s hard:

• Start the ministry God put on your heart.
• Have the hard conversation with love and grace.
• Lead the group even if you feel unqualified.
• Create the workbook, record the podcast, or show up on video even if no one is cheering yet.
  

God Meets You at the Edge

Joshua 3 is a reminder that God’s power shows up right at the edge. Where fear is high and faith feels small. That’s where transformation begins. It’s where the invisible becomes visible.

You don’t need a leap of faith. You need a step. A foot lifted in obedience. That’s where miracles start.

Build Your Faith with Stones of Remembrance

After the miracle, God told the Israelites to take stones from the river and stack them as a reminder. Why? Because we forget. Quickly.

Create your own “stones” of remembrance:

• Journal answered prayers.
• Frame a Bible verse that marked a breakthrough.
• Share a testimony of what God did in a hard season.
  

Faith grows stronger when we remember what God already did.

What to Tell Your Clients

Let this story inform how you coach others. Here’s how to use Joshua 3:15–17 with your clients:

• Ask: What’s your riverbank right now?
• Reflect: What step has God asked you to take that you’ve been delaying?
• Challenge: What stone will you set up to remember His faithfulness?

Encourage them to document their obedience. Even if it feels small. Remember this…

“The water didn’t part until their feet touched it. What if your step is the key to the next move of God?”

If this message stirred something in you, share it with someone standing at their own riverbank. Or better yet. Tell your own “stepping in” story below. Let’s build a memorial of miracles together.

Want to Bring This Lesson into Your Coaching Practice?

If this message resonates and you’d love to coach your clients through this powerful passage in a structured way, check out the Coach BibliSession™ Guide: Faith in Motion — based on Joshua 3:15–17. It’s a ready-to-use, Holy Spirit-led coaching session designed to help your clients move forward when the way isn’t clear.
👉🏽Explore the guide at www.HISentrepreneur.com

 

Nanette Floyd Patterson, LCMHC, Founder

Christian Therapist & Master HIScoach™