JOSHUA 3:1 : Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and they set out from Acacia Grove and came
to the Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they crossed over.
During the American Revolution, it is reported that Colonel Rahl, commander of the British troops at
Trenton. New Jersey, was playing cards when a courier brought an urgent message stating that
General George Washington was crossing the Delaware River.
Rahl put the letter in his pocket and didn’t bother to read it until the game finished. Then, realizing the
seriousness of the situation, he hurriedly tried to rally his men to meet the coming attack. It was too
late. His procrastination was his undoing. He and many of his men were killed, and the rest of the
regiment was captured.
Unlike Colonel Rahl, Joshua was one commander who didn’t hesitate to take action. The job ahead
was a major one: lead the people of Israel across the flooded Jordan and into Canaan. Roaring
downward toward the Dead Sea, the current of the Jordan is very swift at Jericho.
In addition, the melting snows in the Lebanon Mountains caused the river to overflow at this season
of the year. The task must have been intimidating. You could understand if Joshua chose to stall as
long as possible. But instead of procrastinating, he “rose early in the morning” and began to rally the
people for the trip ahead of them.
When faced with tasks that are frightening or disagreeable, many people choose to put them off as
long as possible. They find excuses to avoid unpleasant situations or make difficult decisions. But
what a mistake that is. Often it only makes matters worse.
If you are faced with a challenging situation, don’t procrastinate. Trust in God’s strength and wisdom.
Claim His promises of presence and protection. Then, get up early in the morning” and go to it. At the
end of the day, you’ll be glad you did.
A JOB NEVER STARTED IS A JOB NEVER FINISHED.