I don’t know about you, but I often look at the sky for some sign of incoming weather. Dark clouds threaten rain, while white clouds bring the promise of nice weather. Since I spend a lot of time hiking outdoors, these signs help me to dress properly and know where I may be able to go or not be able to go. Sometimes, we do the same thing with God. We are constantly looking for outward signs as to what we should do when God is assuredly and softly speaking to our hearts.
Exodus 13:21 says, “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.” Many times God leads His people with outward signs, but more often than not He leads us with inward promptings of His Spirit and with His Word. It is then our responsibility to follow these instructions, as God’s people followed the cloud and the pillar to go where God led them. Ignoring the inward promptings and God’s Word will assuredly lead us to wander in the wilderness rather than go directly to the Promised Land.
Reluctant Retiree 