An Unmistakable Cloud

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. Exodus 13:21-22

The children of Israel were finally freed from the bondage of slavery and had begun their journey to The Promise Land. They had no idea of the voyage they had before them. God went before them in the form of an unmistakable cloud to lead the way they should go during the day and a pillar of fire that provided light at night.

The pillar of cloud & fire provided direction, protection, shade, and light. It was a symbol that God was with them everywhere they would go. However, it also led them directly to The Red Sea.

Just because God was leading the way, didn’t mean the children of Israel wouldn’t face barriers. In fact, God knew all the challenges they would face and their reactions.

In our own lives, God wants us to trust Him. He gave us His Word and the divine guidance of The Holy Spirit to lead the way.  Just because He is leading, doesn’t mean we won’t experience roadblocks. Just because He is guiding, doesn’t mean we won’t encounter a Red Sea. He’s providing shade and light because He knows we’ll experience darkness. He knows we’ll feel the heat.

The Children of Israel had a hard time understanding how they would get across the sea. They thought they had been brought there to die. That wasn’t the first time they questioned God, and it wouldn’t be the last. They were leaning on their own understanding.

Don’t we often do the same?

I take great comfort in the knowledge that God is my guide, don’t you? We can find rest when we give God complete control. We can find peace when we realize His understanding surpasses ours every single time.

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and Lean NOT on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6