A "crossing" speaks of a tipping point; it heralds a moment of change when we can no longer turn back! We may have been in a long time of waiting, but now our time of transition has come to a close and it's time to move forward.
So, how do you know if you are at a crossing? Here are some signs you may be able to relate to:
Characteristics of the Crossing
1. Where There's a Crossing, There Is a Crisis
At the crossing, a divine appointment awaits you on the other side, but circumstances are against you, and you are helpless to get there by your own strength.
In times like these, we know it's only by the Holy Spirit's power that we can move forward (see Zech. 4:6), and we feel our vulnerability and dependence upon Him.
2. There Is a Price to Pay in the Crossing
Here, we learn the way of the Cross. Our decision to continue requires us to sacrifice, for we must let go of the familiar and embrace something new.
3. An Impossibility Stands Between You and Your Destiny
You know it's time to move, but you face a daunting obstacle. It is like a river of great depth and width that appears impossible to cross.
4. An Act of Faith Precedes the Parting of the Waters
You know it will take a miracle from God to reach your destination, and for that to happen, you must step out in obedience, with faith.
Crossing the Jordan River: Three Types of Transitions
On December 9th of last year (2022), I sat on a park bench and prayed, "Lord, what do You want to say?" At the time, I was preparing for a ministry engagement.
Suddenly, I noticed something that I had never seen before in all the years I had been walking there! From that bench in the lake park, three bridges were visible.
At that moment, the Holy Spirit broke into my thoughts, saying, "I want you to speak on three crossings." (Photo via Pexels)
As I walked away, reflecting on this, something remarkable stood out to me: The Jordan River was miraculously crossed three times: one for promise, one for passing, and another for power.
As I reflected on the miraculous crossings of the Jordan River, three prophetic descriptions stood out to me, and I believe these are significant for the season we are in right now.
1. Promise: The Crossing for Destiny
In the first crossing, in Joshua chapter 3, God leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. But to reach it, the people must cross the Jordan River during flood season.
Following Joshua's instructions, the priests carry the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. As soon as they step foot into the river, God parts the waters! So, the Israelites cross over on the dry ground.[1]
There are times when we are responding to God's call, but a barrier stands in the way of our destiny.
Circumstances say, "This is the wrong time!" But the One who holds eternity in His hands declares, "This is My time!"
2. Passing: There's a Graduation in the Crossing
In 2 Kings 2, Elijah strikes the Jordan River with his mantle, and the waters part. Elijah knows his God-given destiny—his graduation—is on the other side of these waters. So, the prophet crosses the river in pursuit of the will of God. "Stay back," he warns Elisha, his disciple. But Elisha also knows that his destiny is on the other side of that river; for wherever Elijah goes with his mantle, Elisha must follow too.
When they reach the other side, God takes Elijah up to Heaven in a chariot of fire. At this moment, Elisha is bereft of his leader, mentor, and the person closest to him. And all he has left is the prophet's mantle, which has fallen to the ground. So, Elisha picks it up.
I believe this crossing can represent a time of passing, when we may experience sorrow over something—or someone—dear to us that we have lost. The trial may indelibly leave a mark on us, yet we carry from that place a new level of authority. For there is a different type of passing within the trial—it is a fresh mantling of the Holy Spirit. (Photo via Wallpaper Flare)
3. Power: You Pick Up Your God-Given Authority
In this third crossing, Elisha returns to the bank of the Jordan River, and he strikes the water with Elijah's mantle—which is now his own. The water parts and the prophet crosses on dry ground (2 Kings 2:13-14)[2]. It is the birth of his prophethood.
This crossing speaks of a time of transition when a trial tests our authority. As we launch out with utter dependence upon God, we discover that we do truly possess the authority to unleash His power. We realize that God has already equipped us for our new season's assignment!
From a River of Impossibility to a Bridge of Power
I believe this word about crossing into a new era is significant for many of us right now, because we stand at a tipping point. And we may not know how we are going to reach our immediate destination, let alone our destiny! But we do know that God has called us, and He can do it.
Can you relate to being at a crossing today? As you face the river, take a breath, breathe a prayer, look Heavenward, and listen for His instructions. For only God can turn your river of impossibility into a bridge of power.
"Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before..." (Joshua 3:4)
Notes:
[1] All except the wives, women, and children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, as these tribes inherited land on the east of the Jordan River (see Joshua 1).
[2] Interesting sidelight: In all three crossings, there was a physical object—a symbol—that both symbolized and carried the manifest presence of God. In the story of Israel's crossing, it was the ark of the covenant. With Elijah and Elisha, it was the prophet's mantle. In the new covenant, we are the ones filled and anointed with God's Spirit, living "Arks," equipped with His power.
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Helen Calder
Enliven Ministries
Email:Â helen@enlivenpublishing.com
Website:Â www.enlivenpublishing.com
Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries, in the David McCracken Ministries family. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in the areas of prophetic ministry, discernment and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog, an online prophetic training and mentoring resource that reaches thousands of people globally. Helen and Malcolm have been married for 37 years and are at home in Planetshakers Church, Melbourne, Australia.
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Are you in transition? Do you have your own Jordan River to cross?
