“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.” – Exodus 13:21 NIV
That night, the rain was coming down and the mist made it difficult to see the lines on the road. I crept along, praying for safe travel home. Then a car pulled out in front of me – suddenly the driving became easier! The red taillights pierced the darkness and alerted me to every turn in the road. From then on it was a rather peaceful drive; slower than normal, but the uncertainty and the fear were gone.
When God led the Israelites through the fear and uncertainty of their desert journey, God guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They could not see the whole journey or know all the details of what was to come, but they could trust that night or day, God would guide them to where they needed to be.
Often our lives feel like driving on dimly lit streets in a pouring rain. We are fearful and uncertain about what comes next. Yet, like the pillar of fire or the red taillights, God guides us forward. If you are feeling anxious about what the future holds, trust that God will guide you and show you the way home.
Peace to you,
Pastor Mark