Thursday Thought – July 23, 2015

Good Morning Friends,

“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. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22)

I’ve always wished for the kind of clarity of direction that the Israelites got as they were leaving Egypt. God’s presence and His direction were so obvious for them. During the day it was a pillar of cloud that represented God’s presence and that went before them so they would easily know the way to go. During the night, when the cloud could not have been seen, it changed to a pillar of fire. There would never be a time when the Israelites could even question whether or not God was with them or question whether they had made a wrong turn.

But here’s something to remember: the pillars of cloud and fire did not guarantee that the people would easily follow God’s direction!

When they got to the edge of the Red Sea, even though they were led there by God, they were ready to turn back to Egypt because of the difficulty! When they camped at the bottom of Mount Sinai while Moses was atop receiving the Ten Commandments, they still forged a golden calf, not satisfied with the pillars that God provided, not satisfied with God’s presence. When they arrived at the edge of the land of Canaan and sent spies into the land, they did not have the faith to enter the land, even though God had clearly brought them to its border!

God’s clear presence and His obvious direction did not guarantee obedience!

God’s direction in my life has never been as obvious as it was for the Israelites during that season. But the truth is, I haven’t always obeyed the direction from God that I have known! Why would I think clearer direction from God would mean easier obedience?

The point is: it’s not about how clear God makes His direction for our lives … it’s about being obedient to the direction we do understand!

His, by Grace,

Steve