When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. Exodus 13:17-22
After being delivered from the hand of Pharoah, the Israelites might have thought that their sufferings were over. Yet they were set to encounter a new form of challenge in the wilderness. God could have allowed them to pass through the land of the Philistines that was the shortest distance to the promised land but then, they had to go through the longest path by the wilderness to the Red Sea. In the journey of life, there are many challenges and obstacles that you encounter. God has not promised us a problem free life but He has promised us that in the midst of our challenges, He is always with us.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2
The ever presence of God to guide, to protect and to deliver, is His PROMISE, to all those who trust Him. This is what the pillar of cloud and fire represent. Whether night or day, He is sure to be there with us and for us. So why fear the enemy and evil one?
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."Deuteronomy 31:8
If God is for us, who can be against us?
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Let the enemy devise a plan. It shall shall come to naught.
There are some challenges and trials that are not carved for you because it will be too severe and you can handle. So God, takes you out of that situation. He took made sure that the Israelites did not go through the land of the Philistines because they would be attacked and taken back to bondage and they would begin to doubt Him. His plan was to educate them in the wilderness; make all the mistakes there before landing in the promised land. We have a promised land in the heavenly kingdom where no filth and unholiness is tolerated. All garbage have to be left behind in the wilderness. Any unprepared person will be left behind in the wilderness. Are you prepared to go to heaven to be with the Lord in paradise?
The pillar of clouds confounds and confuses the enemy so you can go about your business in the LORD.
And in the morning watch the Lord in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic. Exodus. 14:24
The pillar of clouds signifies the peace of God. Peace in good times and bad times.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. John 14:27
To see the Lord's hand move in your life, there is a preparatory stage. It should have taken 11 days to get to the promised land but it took 40 years. When you wait on the Lord, patiently, you see the promised land. If you murmur and glamour, you will miss His mighty hand at work. The Lord was still working miracles in the wilderness, yet they refused to acknowledge it. They were impatient and wanted everything now? Be patient with the Lord because He has been patient with you. Caleb waited patiently for the Lord and served Him wholehearted so he saw the promised land. Joshua waited patiently for the Lord and served Him wholeheartedly with his entire family, so he got to the promised land. For you to get to the promised land, you must distinguish yourself from all others. You must stand out in holiness!
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9
Today, be guided by the pillar of cloud and fire so that you can enter into the promised land of your divine destiny.
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