Wherever You Are
In the latter part of Exodus and into the book of Leviticus, we see how God led the people of Israel with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Not only were these signs their guides, but they also acted as a calendar of sorts. The cloud dictated whether the people were to stay or go.
“And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”
Basically, when the cloud moved, the people followed, and when the cloud stopped, the people stopped and made camp. The length of time they traveled or camped was entirely up to God, and to my knowledge, He never gave them a schedule detailing how long each leg of the journey would be. He said, “Follow my lead.” And they did.
As I was reading through this familiar account, I realized I could relate a little to the children of Israel. During this time of pandemic, we’ve been under orders to go home and stay home until further notice. It was like the cloud of God, hovering in one place, urging us to stay put. No idea how long we will be idle. No clue when this virus will end. No indication when we will be able to pick up our journey again. Just wait and see.
What I found the most comforting about this, though, was the realization that whether the Israelites were staying or going, God was always with them. Ever present in the form of a cloud or fire, He was in their sight at all times. Always there. Always working. Always in control. Though they didn’t know the future, He did. And while His timing for “rest stops” may have seemed inconvenient to the people, He knew what was best for them, just as He knows what’s best for us.
So, whether you’re working today or sitting at home, take comfort in the fact that God is with you wherever you are. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to be afraid. Just follow God’s lead, and I guarantee He’ll lead you to a safe haven.
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