Scripture
Exodus 40:36,37-“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."
Observation
3 words come to mind when reading this, 1) OBEDIENCE 2) PATIENCE 3)TRUST.
Moses and the people of Israel obeyed the command of God...for once...waited patiently on Him and trusted that He knew best.
What really counts though is the heart in which OBEDIENCE, PATIENCE, and TRUST are displayed. I can obey the rules, but if I do so grudgingly then what’s the point. I can be patient, but if I’m constantly looking ahead for the opportunity rather than gazing at what’s immediately in front of me then I’ve missed the point. I can trust, but I also need to set my heart on trusting that what I perceive as the victory may not be what God deems as best.
God never fails. He graciously graces the failed attempts at obedience and trust. Forgives the impatience and anxiousness. Offers clouds by day and fires by night to guide and direct. I need to be much more aware of these markers and in patient obedience, trust that God has a victory ahead.
No one moved without the prompting of God. Even if there were clear skies ahead and everything looked good, no one sought to advance until the cloud moved. Even if the moon showed bright and the climate was accepting, no one dared take one step forward.
Application
I relay this idea to three areas of my life:
1.My Family: God, lead me and direct my steps. Teach my heart to prioritize properly. Guide me to husband well and father well. You set my priority and pace so that my home be filled with Your glory. On Christ the Solid Rock we stand!
2.Work: Help me be a catalyst for the Holy Spirit. We move so quickly, the services don’t stop, the tasks tend to pile, the call to excellence doesn’t waver...but neither do YOU. I’m confident if You are intently sought, You will faithfully guide and provide. We set our hope on You.
3.My Ministry: Different from my “work”, I need to clearly define, comprehend and follow my ministry call. I need to relentlessly seek the fire’s guidance and the cloud's presence in order to serve well and lead well. Jesus be the center.
Prayer
I dare to pray Moses’ prayer that if Your presence is not here, stop me now (Ex. 33) Lord I’m a wandering fool without You. So I choose to fix my eyes on You. May Your Will dominate my life.
