By Fire and Clouds – Devotion 185 – SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY

In the story of the Israelites traversing the wilderness, God made his presence known so they would know where to go. During the daytime, he led by a cloud. In the night, by fire. His presence was visible. It was intimidating yet reassuring. God had not left them even in their disobedience. He was not going to make them figure this out alone. He would be with them every moment and they would know it. They would not forget it. He was there.

Tonight I am doing something I rarely do. I am sitting around the fire pit, eating dinner, and enjoying the beauty of the flames. Honestly, this takes time and effort So I just don’t do this often enough. I am grateful for a few moments around the fire. Held in the pit, the flames are so majestic. They are dangerously beautiful. As I sit and watch, I am reminded of God. I am reminded that he is still leading and guiding our steps. He is still reminding me of his presence. It may not be in the same way – we, do, after all, have the Holy Spirit as our guide. Instead of the visible fire, God’s fire is living within us. He is guiding us from within. We should, in turn, be burning bright for him. How has God reminded you of his presence today?

Focus Scripture:

²¹The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. ²²Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.