Jeremy and I had already finished eating and were talking about Rockets as Jeremiah paid close attention to everything in restaurant but meat on his plate.

Dad kept reminding child that he still needed to finish his lunch. Each time Jeremy spoke to him, Jeremiah would briefly return to his food, but after a small bite he'd go back to playing with salt shaker or giggling with child seated behind him.

Finally, dad spoke what seemed to be magic words: "Jeremiah, if you don't finish that meat, I'm not going to buy you an ice cream cone."

The meat suddenly became most important item in room.

Jeremiah would take a bite or two and stay focused until he seemingly forgot what his dad had just spoken to him. Three minutes later, with half his lunch still uneaten, Jeremiah's attention returned to hustle and bustle of his environment.

Frustrated but determined, Jeremy went to counter and got his son an ice cream cone, which sat melting on table in front of him until every bite of meat had disappeared from youngster's plate.

"That's how I see you," God's still small voice spoke very clearly inside of me.

Perplexed, I looked at this cute little kid with melted ice cream smeared all over his face and dripping down front of his t-shirt. And I realized, in amazement, that God had just used this child and his dad to illustrate a very important point to me.

Our heavenly daddy is no different! He has given us a book of promises and they all sit on table. Our ice cream cone sits before us, waiting for moment in which we have done what he has required, feeding on his word and nourishing ourselves so he can gleefully give us treat we've been so eagerly waiting for.

They are full of faith and excitement as a result of magnificent promise from their God, but anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead.

Then Joshua speaks with authority and conviction, having heard from Living God.

He tells God’s people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow Lord will do amazing things among you” (Joshua 4:5).

There comes an appointed time in life of every believer – who knows, you may be there today – when God leads you to edge of your Jordan River. On other side lies future God has promised to you. It could be stability, a healthy marriage, a jump in your career, a fresh anointing or a redeemed self-esteem. God has "amazing things" planned for your life!

Behind you is wilderness of your past…the wandering, grumbling, fear, bitterness, disappointment, sin. You stare across cold, rushing river to other side, which is obscured in distance.

Consecrate ourselves? My friend, journey to other side will most likely require something of us.

“Lord, you mean I can’t take this anger and bitterness to other side?”

“Lord, I only do it every once in a while, and no one else knows about it!”

“Jesus, it’s not gossip! It’s sharing in love!”

“Father, I know it's a little trashy, but it’s only television show like that I ever watch. I’m strong enough to resist temptation.”

Let's take a step into water and let him wash that stuff away, because none of it can cross over with us.