Crossing Into 2026- An Application From Joshua 3-4

How was God at work in your life, or the life of your family, in 2025? What might God have planned for you in 2026? The children of Israel crossed over the Jordan River, as recorded in Joshua 4. One side of the river represented their past; the other side is the future into which they would enter. This has a lot of application as we have transitioned into a new year.

There was much wandering in the desert for 40 years, but God displayed his power in many ways to sustain them prior to the crossing of the Jordan River into their promised land. Hopefully, you have not been wandering in a “spiritual desert,” but maybe you have seen God do some mighty acts. Perhaps God brought you and your family through difficult adversities, sickness, divorce, financial hardship, or unexpected situations. If you and your family had a rough year, that might be preparation for crossing into 2026.

Just as the Israelites entered uncharted physical territory, you will enter into uncharted spiritual territory. None of us know what will happen this year, but God knows the end from the beginning. It may be better than you have even dreamed! Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” 

“God‘s calling for each Christian may end up being broader and more complex than any of us imagine in the beginning. That’s all right. When he stretches us to new frontiers, he grants his provision to meet our needs, and he gives us fresh energy to succeed. He is bringing us into a new and spacious land that far outstrips the past.” (1)

“Be aware that the conquest of the promised land-known as Canaan-was not a walk in the park, however. Realizing God‘s promises did not come easy for the Israelites…The Israelites arrived not in heaven, but in enemy territory! To claim the land God had promised them meant facing and defeating all kinds of hostile forces…” (2)

With blessings can also come battles! 

Do you want more out of life in 2026? You may have to defeat some spiritual forces as you go into God‘s land of promises and blessings. Satan does not want you to have a better and abundant life. There may be battles with temptation or between the spirit and the flesh.

In spite of all this, may you and I move into this year with bold faith and obedience. Pray the Prayer of Jabez found in first Chronicles 4:10. He asked God for His blessings and that He would enlarge his territory, meaning his sphere of influence and ministry. May you and I experience God‘s blessing, provision, and protection in 2026, but we must be prepared to ask God to fight our battles.

If you are not a Christian, this can be the year you make a decision to cross over from the kingdom of darkness into God’s Kingdom of light. Jesus is the bridge.

1. Jim Cymbala, You Were Made for More, Zondervan, 2008, pg. 32

2. Ibid, pg. 11

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