The Lord Leads His People

"And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them lights; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people." Exodus 13:21,22

The Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt is an incredible testimony of the hand of God and how He shields and protects His people.

Exodus 14:10 tells us that Pharaoh, after letting the Israelites leave Egypt, changed his mind and pursued after the former slaves. "The Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord."

The Israelites asked Moses why he would take them out of bondage only to let them die in the wilderness like this.

They had forgotten the promise. Actually, it was not merely a promise that God gave to protect them -- God's presence was with them, in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. One needed only to look up to see evidence of God's faithfulness. He never left them. Yet the Israelites chose to look upon Moses' humanity, and the seeming dead-end they had arrived at.

Too often people look to others to lead them. They watch the lives of successful people and strive to be like them. This, especially in ministry, is a grave error. We should never follow popularity. Eventually you will realize that these people that are placed on such high pedestals are only human. They don't have super-power abilities. You might arrive at a situation where you will feel stuck. There's no way out. As individuals, we must seek God first and look to him for guidance and assurance. When you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you, he will place the right people in your path. 

When you have a Holy Ghost-filled pastor, follow him and support him because he's a man of God, chosen to shepherd the congregation. He will be a man that seeks the Lord's guidance and follows the will of God in all things. 

But don't expect him to be perfect. As a human, he will have faults, too. And they have a heavy load to carry. Instead of becoming judgemental, do what you should--put your hand to the plow with him, and help to carry the load. Pray. Pray for him and all the believers daily. Support the ministry. Be present. Be kind. Be a blessing.

Moses was just a man. If he had tried to use his own ability to lead the people, he would have failed. Actually, he already tried that once, as a younger man. It only resulted in one dead Egyptian, and Moses escaping to the desert for his life. Only when the Lord called him and filled him with His power was Moses able to return to Egypt after 40 long years. He did not follow his own agenda this time, but God's will only. He didn't make one move until God instructed him.

God lives in and among His people. If we look to Him always, we will not fail. The Holy Spirit will lead us all the way across the Red sea, through the wilderness, into the Promised Land, and His Presence will never leave us in any battle or strife. 

He has given us the Word as our sword of Truth. With it we can defeat any and all of our enemies. We have overcoming power through the blood of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of His Spirit within us.

One day He's coming for us, and we shall reign with him in that beautiful, eternal city, where the light of His Glory shall never be snuffed out. Do not fear. Trust Him.

Look up.