Help! I Need to Know Where to Go!

So we're at a critical point in our lives right now.   The stresses of life have taken a toll.  Some things need to change.  Life altering changes.  The tipping point has arrived.  But what direction do we take?  Which way is the right way to go?  Don't want to take a step without confirmation from the Lord that "this way" is the right way.

Waiting to hear from the Lord...waiting...waiting...but the pressure cooker is about to pop...need to hear, in a panic, which way do we go?!?!  Don't want to act in haste...desperately searching the Scriptures to find a Word of direction...ahhhhh!

Anyone relating to this?

Came across Joshua 3 this morning.  God tells Joshua to instruct the people of Israel on how to prepare themselves to cross the Jordan...to take this new journey or direction in their lives.

He says three things in verses 3-5:
1).  Set out from where you are
2).  Stand back so you can see
3).  Sanctify yourselves

The Bible doesn't say whether the Israelites were afraid of what they would find after crossing the Jordan.  Well, for that matter...how were they going to cross the Jordan during flood season in the first place?   Their mighty leader, Moses, was dead.  Were they sure of Joshua's leadership?  I'm thinking not since God told Joshua further down in the chapter that He would magnify him in the eyes of the people so that they would know God was with him as He was with Moses.

So, I'm thinking the Israelites were, if not scared, at least very nervous about which path or direction to take in moving forward.

I find many significant meanings in this Scripture.  On the surface...God went BEFORE the people into their unknown.  This tells me God doesn't tell you to go somewhere where He doesn't go before you.  God knew what was facing his people on the other side.  Though they probably didn't realize it until hindsight, God had been preparing them for what they would find on the other side for years.

If you dig deeper, though, I think we find even more revelation relating to this Blog's theme about being stuck and not knowing which way to go.

A commentary I read this morning brings insight into the three directives from God listed above:

"Set out from where you are"
The Israelites came to the Jordan in faith, having been told that they should pass it.  "In the way of duty, let us proceed as far as we can, and then depend on the Lord. The people were to follow the ark.  We must walk after the rule of the word, and the direction of the Spirit, in everything; so peace will be upon us as was upon the children of Israel.  

All their way through the wilderness was an untrodden path, but mostly so in crossing the Jordan. While we are here, we must expect and prepare to pass ways that we have not passed before; but in the path of duty we may proceed with boldness and cheerfulness. Whether we are called to suffer poverty, pain, labour, persecution, reproach, or death, we are following the Author and Finisher of our faith; nor can we set our feet in any dangerous or difficult spot, through our whole journey, but faith will there see the prints of the Redeemer's feet, who trod that very path to glory above, and bids us follow him, that where he is, we may be also."

"Stand back so you can see"
God told Joshua to have the people stand back from the ark about a mile and follow from that distance so as to always be able to see it (God) and know which way to go.  AND, I believe, in order for all to see the greatness of the miracle about to happen.  So, stand back-get out of the way-and watch God work a miracle in your life.

"Sanctify yourselves"
The Israelites were to sanctify themselves. If we are to experience the effects of God's love and power, we must put away sin, and be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

For me these three directives tell me to use the brain and wisdom God has given me to go ahead and "set out from where I am"... get moving...do not be afraid ... "be strong, vigorous, and very courageous.  Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

Stand back and get out of the way of my situation or journey, and in humbleness and fear, watch for the miracles of God about to happen.

Sanctify myself...be careful to remain pure of heart, seeking only God's face in all things, humble-without pride, in all things do not grieve the Holy Spirit.