15 Feb, 2011

Pillars

Raise your hand if you get caught up in wondering what in the world you're supposed to be doing with your life. That would be pretty much all of us at some time or another. And if you didn't raise your hand, you have either not yet turned ten years old, or you're probably not being completely honest with yourself.

I often put great pressure on myself to figure out right now what I am doing with my life. Sometimes I'm just thinking of this week. Other times I think about the next few years or beyond. Am I doing what I'm supposed to with my time? Am I investing in the people I should be? Am I working hard enough at knowing God better each day?

And what's the plan for the future? Am I heading in the right direction? Should I be taking on more responsibility? Or less? Should I make different friends? Work harder?  Get a different job?
  

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Exodus 13:21-22"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. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." John 14:16"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever."

What does God’s Story scripture teach us about His guidance?

 

Imagine yourself as an ancient Israelite. I'm talking about the ones who lived back when Moses was around. The ones who wandered in the desert. God's presence was literally there before them, for all to see. They didn't have to wake up each morning and wonder what direction they should walk. They didn't have to consult someone else to find that information out for them. They just looked up and followed the cloud during the day or the fire during the night. And it was always there.

Don't you wish it were that easy for us today? Sometimes I do. I wonder if the Israelites felt great relief in not having to make those decisions for themselves. No one wondered where or when. The pillar of cloud or fire showed them when and led them where. It could not have been more clear.

Sometimes God still helps us out by making things obvious for us.  But for all those less obvious times, we are not helpless.  We have God’s Word, and we have the promised presence of the Holy Spirit.

How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture to my life?

 

What are you looking to for guidance as you look into the days ahead?  Are you tempted to consult others before you seek God in your decisions?  Or do you trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit and look to Him first?

How can I connect today’s God’s Story scripture and my story to others?

When a friend comes to you for advice or to seek guidance, offer to pray with them.  Seek the Holy Spirit together and look to God’s Word on your friend’s behalf.

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