Day 15 - 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2026

Day 15: Legacy Moments

Yesterday we read from Joshua chapter three where the children of Israel crossed over the Jordan river. Today I would like to draw your attention to chapter four and another command that God gives them.

Scripture: Joshua 4:1-9

“And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: ‘Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, “Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.”’ Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: ‘Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, “What do these stones mean to you?” Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.’ And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded... Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.”

We often focus so intently on surviving the "river" in front of us that we forget to mark the ground where God showed up. In Joshua 4, the Israelites were in the middle of a transition—moving from the wilderness into the Promise. But God knew that human memory is short. He knew that the awe of the dry riverbed would eventually fade into the mundane struggles of tomorrow. So, He commanded them to stop and gather stones.

The Purpose of the Stones

The question in verse six is one of the most vital questions a parent or mentor can ever answer: “What do these stones mean to you?” Legacy is not just about what we leave behind; it is about the stories we tell. If we don’t identify our "stones"—the specific moments where God provided, healed, or redirected us—our children will only see our struggles, not the God who carried us through them.

Legacy Born of Difficulty

It is important to notice where these stones came from: "out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm." These were not pretty stones gathered from a peaceful meadow; they were heavy, water-worn rocks pulled from the depths of a place that should have been impassable.

Your most powerful legacy moments often come out of your seasons of greatest challenge. The "stones" you carry today might be a financial breakthrough after months of lack, a restored marriage after a season of silence or pain, or a sense of peace during a health crisis. When you follow God’s lead with faithful obedience in the middle of the river, you are literally mining the materials for your next memorial.

Practical Application: Creating Your Memorials

How do we apply this to our lives in 2026?

1. Identify Your Stones: Take a moment today to look back at the last year. What did God do that deserves a "stone"? Find things to be thankful for and specifically celebrate the moments where the "waters were cut off" for you.
2. Tell the Stories: Don’t assume your children or those you mentor know why you are at peace or how you survived a trial. Be intentional. When they see your joy or your perseverance, tell them: "Let me tell you what this moment means to me. God was faithful here."
3. Create Tangible Reminders: Whether it is a gratitude journal, a framed verse that keeps you going, or even a physical stone on a shelf, create a "memorial" in your home. Let it be a conversation starter that allows you to point away from your own strength and toward God’s provision.

When we are obedient to God's leading, we don't just reach the other side of the river; we bring back evidence of His goodness to share with everyone who comes behind us.

Reflect: If someone asked you today, "What do these stones mean to you?", which story of God’s faithfulness would you tell first?