Exploring Meaningful Ways to Invest in Your Family's Future

Brandon Harrison
May 27
3 min read

Navigating Life’s Challenges with Family

In a recent talk on the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River, Pastor Brandon Harrison dives deep into how we can guide our families through life’s many challenges. This story from Joshua 3 serves as a powerful metaphor for overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and family goals.

Main Ideas

Embracing Change with Support: The transition from Moses to Joshua symbolizes moving from strict rules to a more flexible and supportive approach. While rules can guide us, it’s often the support and encouragement from those around us that help us truly succeed.
Facing Modern-Day Struggles: Today’s families deal with a lot, from social pressures to digital distractions. Pastor Harrison highlights the importance of leaning on each other and finding strength in our shared experiences to tackle these challenges together.
Leading by Example: It’s crucial for family leaders—whether parents, grandparents, or guardians—to set a positive example. This involves making conscious choices, uplifting each other, and taking initiative in guiding the family.

Steps to Guide Our Families

Break Away from Old Habits: Just as the Israelites had to leave their camp to move forward, we too must step out of our comfort zones and let go of unproductive habits to make progress.
Uphold Promises and Values: The ark of the covenant, carried by the Israelites, represents the importance of holding on to promises and values. Keeping these at the heart of our family life helps us stay grounded and focused.
Take Action and Show Commitment: It's not enough to talk about what we believe in; we need to actively demonstrate it in our daily lives. This means getting involved, helping out, and being there for one another.

Practical Tips

Create Healthy Boundaries: Pastor Harrison encourages us to distance ourselves from negative influences and make choices that lead to personal growth and well-being. This separation helps maintain a healthy environment for ourselves and our families.
Engage in Meaningful Activities: Participating in activities that bring joy and fulfillment is key. Whether it’s volunteering, spending quality time together, or pursuing hobbies, staying active keeps us connected and motivated.
Rely on Inner Strength: The talk reminds us that we can’t do everything on our own. It’s important to tap into our inner strength and seek support from those around us to lead effectively.

Wrapping Up

Pastor Harrison’s message is a heartfelt reminder that guiding our families through life’s journey requires intention, encouragement, and leadership. By taking cues from the story in Joshua 3, we can help our families not just survive but thrive amidst life’s ups and downs. As we move forward, let’s commit to leaving behind what holds us back, holding on to what matters, and leading with determination.

Study Guide: How Can We Get Our Families Across?

Reading

Joshua 3:1-17
Romans 10:1

Warm Up

Reflect on a time you felt your family was facing a significant challenge. How did you navigate through it?
How do you currently understand the concept of "getting your family across the finish line" spiritually?

Scripture Exploration

Read Joshua 3:1-17. What key events are taking place in this passage?
In the sermon, Pastor Brandon Harrison mentioned the role of Joshua as a type of grace. How does this portrayal affect your understanding of the passage?
Consider Romans 10:1. How does Paul's desire for Israel's salvation relate to the theme of guiding families spiritually?

Personal Reflection

What does the transition from Moses to Joshua symbolize in your life? How does this relate to the law and grace?
How can the act of placing stones as reminders in Joshua 3 serve as a metaphor for spiritual milestones in your life?
Discuss the theological implications of grace versus law in the context of family leadership.

Personal Application

Identify one area in your family life where you need to transition from 'law' to 'grace.' What steps will you take to facilitate this change?
How can you actively lead your family in spiritual matters, ensuring they "cross the Jordan" in their faith journey?
Plan a family activity that serves as a spiritual milestone or reminder of God's faithfulness.
Consider how your church community can support families in their spiritual journeys. What role can you play in this support system?