God’s Guidance

God’s Guidance

Q: How did God lead the Israelites through the wilderness?

• a. with his voice
• b. with fire and ice
• c. with a cloud and fire

Kaitlyn dropped her backpack on the car floor and arranged her pillow so she could sleep on the long trip to Grandma’s. Her dad backed the car out of the garage. Instead of turning onto the road they always took, he drove past it.

“Where are you going?” Kaitlyn asked. “This isn’t the road we take.”

“This will get us to the highway. It’s a little longer, but there’s a lot less traffic.”

Kaitlyn adjusted her pillow and prepared to sleep. She’d leave the driving to her dad.

It was time for God’s people to leave Egypt. They’d been there 430 years—ever since Joseph had moved his family there to have food during the famine. The shortest route from Egypt to the Promised Land led through Philistine country. Instead of going that way, God led the Israelites around the Philistines. He knew if the Israelites had to battle the Philistines, they might give up and return to Egypt.

During the day, God led the people with a cloud. At night he led them with a pillar of fire to give them light. That way they could travel either by day or night, and they’d always know God was with them.

Sometimes it might seem God is leading you the long way to reach a goal. Don’t complain or give up. Just follow. He has a reason for what he does. Just as he led the Israelites around the Philistines to avoid a war, he may be leading you another way because he knows what each path holds, and he’s choosing what’s best for you.

For You

Have you been trying to accomplish something without making progress? God might be leading you a different way. Ask God to show you what to do. You will feel peace in your heart when you make the right choice.

Answer: c

The LORD went ahead of [the Israelites]. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.   Exodus 13:21

(The Whole Story: Exodus 13:17-22)