A “crossing” speaks of a tipping point—it heralds a moment of change when we can no longer turn back!
We may have been waiting for a long time. But now, our time of transition has come to a close, and it’s time to move forward.

So, how do you know that you are at a crossing? Here are some signs you may relate to:

Characteristics of the Crossing

1. Where there’s a crossing, there is a crisis
At the crossing, a Divine appointment awaits you on the other side, but circumstances are against you. And you are helpless to get there by your strength.

In times like these, we know we can move forward only by the Holy Spirit’s power. (see Zech 4:6)
And we feel our vulnerability and dependence upon Him.

2. There is a price to pay in the crossing

Here, we learn the way of the cross. Our decision to continue requires us to sacrifice—for we must let go of the familiar and embrace something new.

3. An impossibility stands between you and your destiny

You know it’s time to move, but you face a daunting obstacle. It is like a river of great depth and width that appears impossible to cross.

4. An act of faith precedes the parting of the waters

You know it will take a miracle from God to reach your destination. And for that to happen, you must step out in obedience, with faith.

Three Bridges, Three Crossings

On December 9th last year, I sat on a park bench and prayed, “Lord, what do You want to say?” At the time, I was preparing for a ministry engagement.

Suddenly, I noticed something that I had never seen before, during the years I had been walking there!
From that bench in the lake park, three bridges were visible. [1]

At that moment, the Holy Spirit broke into my thoughts, saying, “I want you to speak on three crossings.”

As I walked away, reflecting on this, something remarkable stood out to me:
The Jordan River was miraculously crossed three times.

Three crossings:
One for promise, one for passing, and another for power.

Crossing the Jordan River: Three Types of Transition

As I reflected on the miraculous crossings of the Jordan River, three prophetic descriptions stood out to me—and I believe these are significant for the season we are in right now.

1. Promise: The Crossing for Destiny

In the first crossing, in Joshua chapter 3, God leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. But to reach it, the people must cross the Jordan River during flood season.

Following Joshua’s instructions, the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. As soon as they step foot into the river, God parts the waters! So, the Israelites cross over on the dry ground. [2]

There are times when we are responding to God’s call, but a barrier stands in the way of our destiny.
Circumstances say, “This is the wrong time!” But the One who holds eternity in His hands declares, “This is My time!”

2. Passing: There’s a Graduation in the Crossing

In 2 Kings 2, Elijah strikes the Jordan River with his mantle, and the waters part. Elijah knows his God-given destiny, his graduation, is on the other side of those waters.
So, the prophet crosses the river in pursuit of the will of God.
“Stay back,” he warns Elisha, his assistant. But Elisha also knows that his destiny is on the other side of that river. For wherever Elijah goes—with his mantle—Elisha must follow too.

When they reach the other side, God takes Elijah up to heaven in a chariot of fire.
At that moment, Elisha is bereft of his leader, mentor, and the person closest to him. And all he has left is the prophet’s mantle, which has fallen to the ground. So, Elisha picks it up.

This crossing could represent a time of passing when we may experience sorrow for something—or someone—dear to us, that we have lost.
The trial has indelibly left a mark on us, yet we carry from that place a new level of authority.
For there is a different type of passing within the trial—it is a fresh mantling of the Holy Spirit.

3. Power: You Pick Up Your God-Given Authority

In this third crossing, Elisha returns to the bank of the Jordan River. And he strikes the water with Elijah’s mantle—which is now his own. The water parts and the prophet crosses on dry ground. (2 Kings 2:13-14) [3]
It is the birth of his prophethood.

This crossing speaks of a time of transition when a trial tests our authority. As we launch out—with utter dependence upon God—we discover that we do truly possess the authority to unleash His power.
We realize that God has already equipped us for our new season’s assignment!

A Bridge of Power

I believe this word about crossing into a new era is significant for many of us right now because we stand at a tipping point.

And we may not know how we are going to reach our immediate destination, let alone our destiny!
But we do know that God has called us, and He can do it.

Can you relate to being at a crossing today?
As you face the river, take a breath, breathe a prayer, look heavenward, and listen for His instructions.
Only God can turn your river of impossibility into a bridge of power.

“Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before” (Joshua 3:4a)

Related Post:
7 Prophetic Insights About the Jordan River
Victory: 5 Powerful Insights From the Red Sea Crossing

Notes:

[1] Can God speak through signs in the environment? My notes and Bible study on this are here: “Is God Speaking to You Through the Environment?” 

[2] All except the wives, women, and children of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, as these tribes inherited land on the East of the Jordan River (see Joshua 1).

[3] Interesting sidelight: In all three crossings, there was a physical object—a symbol—that both symbolized and carried the manifest presence of God. In the story of Israel’s crossing, it was the Ark of the Covenant. With Elijah and Elisha, it was the prophet’s mantle. In the New Covenant, we are the ones filled and anointed with God’s Spirit, living “Arks”, equipped with His power.

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Leave a Comment
Has this prophetic insight about the three crossings ministered to you? Which one do you most relate to? I have been impacted by the word about “passing”. I’d love to hear from you, so leave a note or prayer request in the comments below.

© 2023 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation

Helen Calder

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.