Pillars

Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. – Exodus 17:22

Deserts have extreme conditions. Living in an environment with rapid changes in temperature as high as 40 Celsius difference between day and night would put people in survival mode. 430 years ago, the Israelites were freed from slavery but had to wander around in the wilderness instead. For a moment, I did think that perhaps staying in Egypt was better than in the harsh desert.

But praise be to our loving and caring God! He was present at all times in the wilderness through the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. The pillars gave comfort and safety to His people. The pillars gave assurance that He is Jehovah, God Almighty. He never leaves His people alone on the journey of the wilderness. Until they reached the promised land, they were never without the pillars.

I knew I had to go through a long journey in this wilderness. Some days are hit with extreme weather. Waiting for my doctor to read my latest scan result each time was definitely some of the tougher ones. No matter how strong I tried to be, those moments were always nerve-wracking.

“Go with me, Lord. Be with me until I reach my promised land. Carry me, for in You I find my rest,” this is a prayer I always said while waiting.

I knew I would never be alone in my wilderness. I knew my Defender would protect me until I reached my promised land. I claimed the blood of Jesus to flow in my body. His stripes are my pillars of protection and healing. I was never abandoned, nor forsaken.

My friend, are you in the middle of your wilderness right now? Be it family, career, or health, God is there with you and for you. In the wilderness, God will never abandon you halfway. He is comforting you. He is saving you.

Trust our Jehovah throughout the journey of our wilderness. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night will ever leave us. God will protect us all the way until we reach our promised land. The land of wonders. The land of victory!

God protects me with the pillar of cloud during the day and the pillar of fire at night.