Patti Burris

Exodus 15:13

In your unfailing love you will lead
    the people you have redeemed.
In your strength you will guide them
    to your holy dwelling.

In the midst of to-do lists, appointments, and shuttling kids here and there it is easy to forget that God will guide us, if we allow Him to.

Exodus 13:21-22

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.

When God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He guided them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He did not take away the cloud or the fire. He guided them from Egypt to the promised land. Even when the Israelites rebelled and grumbled against Him, God was faithful in guiding them.

Galatians 5:16

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Just as God guided the Israelites in the Old Testament, He still guides us today. He pours out the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us in the right direction.

When we walk by the Spirit, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our decisions and our everyday lives. There are times when I feel disconnected and can’t seem to find my way, but when I find that quiet place, I find that the Spirit is still there waiting for me to allow Him to lead. Satan loves to keep us feeling confused and disconnected from God and he will do everything he can to keep us from following the Holy Spirit.

I know the Israelites had it easy. All they had to do was follow a cloud and fire. It is difficult to always know where the Spirit is guiding us. We have to be more intentional about finding the time to LISTEN to what the Holy Spirit is telling us. We have to make the time to sit quietly and simply listen to what the Spirit wants us to know. If you are facing a difficult decision, sit quietly and hear what the Holy Spirit tells you about your situation. If you are searching for your purpose, sit quietly and see where the Holy Spirit takes you.

God has not abandoned us. He has not left us to wander aimlessly about the Earth. He still loves us as much as ever and He still provides guidance to His children. The Israelites had to make the decision to follow the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. We have to make the decision to listen and follow the Holy Spirit. Find that quiet spot, let the worries of the day slip away and open your heart to what the Spirit has to say. The answers you are seeking are already there, you just have to be open to receive them.