Daily EncouragementSample

The picture is of a people guided by God, and this is still a characteristic of His people today. “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom. 8:14). The guidance of the Spirit of the Lord is as sure and definite as the direction of “the cloud of the Lord” was for the Israelites. “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7), and this faith is not a vague hoping for the best, but rather a trusting in an infallible Guide.

The Israelites did not attempt to go before the cloud – they waited for its lifting before they set out. True wisdom is seen in waiting for God’s leading. There are times when the temptation is to run before him, and doing so is to go our own way. We need to have patience and to give God time. “No guidance to move” it has been said, “is good guidance to stay where you are”. The cloud will lift at the appointed hour.

Divine guidance assures a pilgrim people not merely of protection on the way, but also of a safe arrival at their destination, when all their travels will be over.