Ideas are exciting. Action is exacting. That’s why people love to swim in the idea pool but are reluctant to dive in the river and fight to harness the currents. The thing is, despite feeling comfortable in the pool, only the river will carry you somewhere.

You have to get your feet wet to feel the thrill, but once you do there’s no turning back.

You are an action taker. That’s why you are here, and that’s why the Holy Spirit is jumping on the inside of you, ready to act on your behalf. The Jordan River, the last barrier to the promised land, stood between God’s people and their promise. All the while they stood on the banks, not a ripple was seen, but the moment they committed their feet the miracle happened.

“As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall… then all the people crossed over near the town of Jericho.” (Joshua 3:13–16 NLT)

You are looking for a breakthrough, desperate to step into your promise and bring others along with you.

Here’s a key – take a bold step and get your feet wet.

In the water, you’ll see God go to work.

Don’t be intimidated that you can’t see the other side, or that you’re not sure what you’ll find there. God is not asking you to leap the river, He simply says take the first step of faith and allow Him the opportunity to work. Then the next, and the one after that.

Action taking, as scary as it sounds, pushes you out of the kiddie pool.

You’ll also be surprised to discover that people are not so hung up on perfect as you might think. Like you, they understand that technical things sometimes don’t work the way you hope them to. They’ll grasp that you are trying, growing, reaching for better. They are doing the same.

John Maxwell in his book 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership defines leadership as influence.

He says, “Every time I extended myself, took a risk, and succeeded, followers had another reason to trust my leadership ability – and to listen to what I had to say.”

Extending yourself, taking risks, putting your feet in the river, while others stand on the bank, opens up possibilities not just for you but for everyone that follows.

Your role as a business person or leader is one of influence, and the greatest influence you’ll ever have on others will be by your example.

In our example from the book of Joshua, the leaders, the ministers of God, took a step, and “all the people crossed over”.

You are a leader.