20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Exodus 13:20-22 NIV
I worked for three days doing extensive front-end repairs on the car to prepare it for a trip. I replaced both CV axles and the tie rod ends, which required me to take it to a tire shop for alignment. After retrieving the car, it still was not right. After further inspection, I would need to replace the lower ball joint. I ran out of time to use the car for the upcoming trip.
I talked with my daughter, Melody, about the disappointment of an incomplete repair. I still need to buy parts for two hundred plus my labor to finish. As I contemplated the change in plans (taking the truck instead of the car), I told her, “Father knows best.” She replied, “He always does.” The disappointment began to fade as my trust in God’s leading arose.
Moses knew the direction of the “Promised Land”, but most others had only heard about it. They had spent their entire lives as slaves in Egypt…no vacations for travel – ever. Now they were free and beginning their journey. God was leading, but He was not forthcoming in explanations. They had to trust that Father knew best.
He did give them a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They remained encamped until the cloud, or the fire, began to move, and then they followed. Following the fire and cloud was a visible example of faith in action.
Both the cloud and the fire were to give light and direction. For the follower of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit serves this function to help guide our way. We have a guide who never leaves us nor forsakes us.
On this Fear Not Friday, trust that Father Knows Best when your plans get turned upside down. He will make a way through the desert. He knows the stuff coming after you from your past, He knows the difficulties which you have to face in the future, He knows your current dilemma of having to choose one way or the other…He will lead you into green pastures.
He knows your weariness, your confusion, your anger, your frustration, your loss of peace, your feeling of helplessness, and your jaded emotions. He still leads you to calm waters to refresh your soul. He has a way of speaking that quiets the noise. He is good to you and for you. Follow His leading…He knows best.
Blessings, Love y’all
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