Scripture:

“Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.

 

Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys.” Exodus 40:34-38 (NLT)

 

Perspective:

The Israelites were moving toward the Promised Land. However, even though they knew their destination, God’s timing for their journey was indicated by God’s presence in the form of a cloud or fire leading them. When the Lord’s presence would settle on the Tabernacle, even Moses couldn’t enter because of the glory of the Lord’s presence. As the people watched from a distance, there would have been a feeling that God was near. The visible sign of His presence was a physical indicator that God was with them. Yet, even in seeing God’s presence over the Tabernacle, there were probably times when it seemed like the cloud was never going to move. The people may have wondered if they were going to be stuck in the wilderness forever. Yet, they didn’t see what was going on in the other parts of the wilderness. They didn’t see the enemies from which God was protecting them. They couldn’t see the places where they hadn’t been. They had to learn to trust the Lord’s leading, and He graciously gave them markers along their journey to confirm His leading. Their journey of faith included trusting God enough to not move until He did.

 

Following God into an unknown future is challenging for most people. Sometimes God places big dreams and visions in our hearts, but it is difficult to see how it could ever be possible. The Israelites had never been to the Promised Land at that point either. Their continual obedience to following the Lord’s leading in their life would get them where they needed to go. The people had to daily rely on God’s leading and trust His timing. God is calling us to daily respond in trust and obedience as well. It’s the daily part that can cause us to wander down our own path. We want to follow God as long as it fits in our time frame. God wasn’t haphazardly leading the Israelites, and He isn’t thoughtlessly leading you. Trust His timing and stay close to His presence. As you look around you, where is God working in your life? Be there. Walk closely to the Lord and stay near His presence. While the Israelites probably wanted to know where they were going as much as you and I do, there was something significant in following the Lord’s leading and staying until the Lord moved them onward. God doesn’t just care about the destination; He is very aware of and cares about the journey. It’s in the wilderness when it seems like we are wandering that God equips us. The lessons that you are learning walking through the wilderness will help you as you enter the Promised Land. Trust God to lead you where you couldn’t go on your own.

 

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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About Hona Amer

I help people live life to the fullest. Check out my book, Smart Work U. Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. In order to receive updates, subscribe below.

 

 

 

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