36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: 37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
In the year 2000 there was a movie based on real life that debuted called “The Perfect Storm”. The plot of “The Perfect Storm” centers on the crew of the fishing boat Andrea Gail, who are caught in an unprecedented storm in October 1991 while returning to port with a valuable swordfish catch. After a poor season, Captain Billy Tyne leads his crew to a successful fishing run, but the boat’s ice maker fails, forcing them to sail home immediately through a predicted storm to save their catch. The storm was a convergence of 3 different weather systems. The film depicts the crew’s struggle for survival against colossal waves and violent wind. Their journey ultimately ends in tragedy with the crew and vessel succumbing to the storm with no survivors.
Heading into a storm and not knowing it is one thing, but to go into a dangerous situation without the proper equipment or supplies is just a gamble with what you have. The captain’s choice to take his crew through the storm was one that was fueled by a pressing feeling of failure for the season and a glimmer of hope at cashing in. It was a risk that was taken without truly counting the costs.
Should I go left or right? Should I move forward or wait? In life, we are continuously inundated with decisions. Left to our own devices, we can sometimes get it right or really get it wrong.
Israel had God to follow, and so do we. In the Old Testament, while the children of Israel were wandering, God was their guide. After being led out of Egypt and slavery with the strong arm of the Lord through the Red Sea to dry land, Israel was left with only one choice, to follow God.
With their way back to Egypt blocked by a huge sea, they only had one option to move forward, follow God.
The Lord appeared to the children of Israel miraculously by a huge cloud by day or a pillar of fire by night.
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
They had the visible presence of God with them always. It reminded them that God was truly with them. It showed them that even in a wilderness and desert, God was by their side. Never to leave and never to forsake.
Do you know that God is with you today? That Jesus is right where you are. You may not see him like they did in the Old Testament in a visible form, but He is here as you read this post. He is here to lead and to guide you today.
Are you looking for your next step? Are you waiting for things to fall together? Is there a destination you are trying to get to and do not know the way?
Follow Jesus. Follow Him.
How do I follow him you may ask yourself?
First, you have to be willing to let Him lead.
Jesus said in John 14:6 “ I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”
Let me tell you, it really does matter who you are following. The captains crew in “The Perfect Storm” followed him to their own destruction. The children of Israel followed God to the promised land.
Let me pray with you where you are today and let’s ask Jesus to lead us.
Lord, we thank you and glorify your name! We thank you for your promises to never leave or forsake us. We thank you for being the way we are looking for. In our situation right now, we are calling upon you Jesus to lead us and guide our way. Should we keep going or should we stay where we are? As you led your people through the wilderness, lead us to our promised land today. Give us wisdom and revelation of where it is that you want us. Father, we ask that we would hear your voice today. Lead us and guide us in Jesus name.
Whether you are to stay where you are for this season or to move to a new destination, God will lead you if you let him.
God Bless you and your journey with the Lord, Pastor Turner