God’s Protection

Exodus 13:21–22
20 After leaving Sukkoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. 21 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. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Have you ever walked through a storm with an umbrella? During a storm you are so aware of the rain and wind raging around you, yet you remain protected under the umbrella’s small shield. As long as you hold it securely over your head, you remain dry and protected.

God protected and guided the Israelites out of Egypt with a cloud. A pillar of cloud, guiding them towards the promise land. The Israelites traveled through deserts, and valleys and traversed across unknown lands. Yet, the pillar of cloud was a constant reminder that God was with them. He covered them. And “neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people (Exodus 13:22).

The pillar of cloud was a symbol of God’s provision; His consistent presence in our lives, and His guiding light through the wilderness. He promises that, “…the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). In the most dire circumstances, Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” In other words, God is trustworthy and faithful even in the most varied of storms.

What are you struggling with today? Are you facing an unknown future? Take heart, because the God that has overcome the world is the one leading you. Trust your unknowns to a known God.