“And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.” 2 Samuel 16:14

Sitting at the table of our small camper, I recently pondered the significance of the Jordan River and how much these biblical accounts have applied to the refreshment and transformation that has come in my life over these past twelve years since our son declared he was our daughter.

With no word from him since, we have no way of knowing if there has been any change in his life or circumstances. But for me the change has been significant. As with the accounts of the Jordan River, God has provided a pathway for change in my heart and outlook.

“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 going down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away…” Joshua 3:14

How overwhelming the depth and width of an ideology that has overtaken the masses and become the source of great destruction. The advancing army of trans ideology has been staggering. By the grace of God I have come to learn that walking in faith and obedience means stepping into the formidable waters and trusting God will part the sea and provide a way forward.

In Matthew 3:5, the Jordan provided opportunity for change. “Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.”

This baptism in the Jordan signifies cleansing and a new way of life. This trial has brought the ongoing recognition of my own sin of self sufficiency and self righteousness. Primarily, realizing that if I was feeling the failure of a child lost then I was also taking credit for those who are not. God is the One who ultimately saves.

Another account takes us to the fascinating story of Naaman. “So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

2 Kings 5:14

There is no doubt much for us in this story but these three points stand out the most.

1. Humbling is necessary in order to receive healing. I am not able. He is.
2. Faith requires trust even when the solution doesn’t seem logical. To surrender is best.
3. If God can deliver Naaman from the destructive power of leprosy, he can deliver our children from the destructive power of gender ideology. He has and, Lord willing, will.

“Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place were you lodge tonight.” Joshua 4:3

Twelve stones. Twelve years. A pile of rocks and the passing of time to some but for me it signifies a powerful God who continues to work on our behalf. He is always faithful and His promises never fail.