Monday, January 31, 2011

Our Journey

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. ~~ Exodus 40:36-37 NLT

The Lord delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. For over 400 years, His people felt forgotten. But now the Lord was with them, living in their camp.

Moses spent time with the Lord up on Mount Sinai and during that time he received the instructions on how to build the Tabernacle. People came forward and gave materials and time to build the place where the Lord would dwell with them.

They were on a journey and needed guidance. Before, the building of the Tabernacle, the people turned and worshipped other gods. Moses interceded on their behalf and pleaded with the Lord to go with them. Moses knew the people could not travel without God going with them.

God dwelled among the Israelites manifesting Himself as a cloud during the day and a fire at night so the people could see it and continue their journeys.

Our lives are journeys. Each day we need to see God and where He leads us. Sometimes we need to stay put, other times it is time to move. But for certain, we should not travel without God.

As a parent, it's hard to know what to do. When my child tells me he is hurt or sick, do I take him to the doctor right away or do I wait? I've had doctors ask me why didn’t I bring him in sooner and also they've told me I'm being overly cautious.

When my emotions become stirred up, do I follow the way I feel or do I look up at the "cloud" to see where the Lord is leading? Seeking God in His word to determine where He wants me to go is always the better choice.

While on our journeys, we need to determine if God is leading us to move, or to remain where we are for the moment. Without the Lord's leading, we'll be lost on our journey.

3 gracious comments:

Dianne Guthmuller said...

Shonda,

I love this statement: "While on our journeys, we need to determine if God is leading us to move, or to remain where we are for the moment."

It is my heart's desire to get better that this! Thanks for the reminder! A great word for a Monday morning!

Blessings!
Dianne

KimmyG said...

Thanks for this post, being a parent to adult children in the home, I needed this today! and to know that He is the one leading us is so important!Thanks again!

Shonda said...

Hi Diane, Oh it is something I'm working at getting at too. I'm a work in progress.

Kimmy, I have one adult child in the home & believing God is leading & in control of him keeps me sane or others wise, I get a bit anxious (well more than a bit).

God bless you both!! Thanks for stopping by!