21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
God went before the Israelites. That means He went out front of them. He does the same for us today. As we start 2016 I am thankful God will go before us each day of the year. He will go out front during the bitter cold months, the youthful days of spring, into the dog days of summer and through festive fall season as well. Each hour of each day God will be leading us out front. Think ahead to any day of 2016 and beyond and God is already there waiting on us.
God has always led His people. He is still leading today and He will lead out front into the future. Some would say they wish God still led with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He does. How you ask?
Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
105
Through His word God is still leading His people out front. A lamp is like a lantern. God gives light for each additional step. The word light means the dawning of a day or daylight. Think of the clarity you are able to see the path in front of you in the daylight. In that way, just like with the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire, God leads us out front with His word.
When I think about the most major decisions in my life over the past 30 years God has used His word repeatedly to lead me. He does the same with all His followers.
God leads us out front when we have make decisions or face forks in the road. God, through His word clarifies the path we are to take.
God did not take away the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire from Israel as they exited Egypt. It was a visible sign of the presence of God. A reminder that God was leading, God was out front and God had not forsaken them.
Through the scriptures we also have a visible written record to comfort and reassure us. We have testimonies like the story we are considering here to encourage us. We have numerous promises to strengthen our faith, renew our hope and inspire to keep trusting God. So, no matter what happens in 2016 God will lead out front.
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