The Miracle of God going before us

Exodus 13:21 '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.'

Here we see the description of how the Lord led his children in the wilderness. The Lord went before them like a pillar of cloud and fire to guide them in day and night. Not just an angel, but the Lord Himself led them. Our God performed at least 40 major miracles for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness. The Lord demonstrated his power, provision, protection and presence. These miracles are mainly recorded in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. All these miracles proved them that the Lord God is there with them. Same way, the presence of the Lord is always with us. Our Lord does not send us alone as he walks before us to guide us. In every season, new beginnings, unknown paths God is already there. Moses knew very well about the wilderness as he took adequate trainings from the Lord. We read in Exodus 33:15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here." We see Moses was unwilling to take even one step forward without divine leading. Sometimes when we fail to wait for the Lord and his presence before taking important decisions, we will fail. When we wait for the time of the Lord and direction, we reflect a spiritual maturity.Are we rushing decisions, ministries, or relationships without waiting for God to go before us? Let us meditate on the miracles we will witness when the Lord goes before us.

1. God Leads in Every Season

Exodus 13:21 '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.'

When the Lord goes before us, he will lead us in every season. This symbolizes God’s Guidance in our lives. In day and night, bright and dark, the Lrod leads in all circumstances. The Lord has planned and made all arrangements for his children. Before they could start their journey, the Lord prepared pillar of cloud to lead them by day and pillar of fire by night. The Pillar of Cloud by Day shielded the Israelites from the scorching desert sun. Whether we are in a time of clarity or confusion, His direction is constant. The pillar gave direction in the visible light. This is a reminder that God goes before us even when things look “normal”.

And the Pillar of Fire (By Night) symbolizes God’s Protection and Illumination. It provided light in darkness. It gave them warmth and security. Even in our lives, there might be darkness which we are scared about. But we need to trust upon the Lord, he will drive away the darkness by shedding his light. In the darkest seasons of life, God’s presence shines even brighter. He gives clarity when everything around seems uncertain. We read in Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”


2. God Lights the Way Forward

Exodus 13:21 '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.'

We see God’s guidance is not seasonal it is consistent and sustaining. It will be permanent and stable. The maps that we use in the phones can only guide us until it has a signal. If there is no connection, maps that we rely upon cannot guide us. When we have the guidance and light of the Lord, it can guide us in the night. We can keep moving forward—even at night. God does not want his people to stumble in confusion so he gives light for the next step. The light of the Lord will bring: Direction, Clarity and Hope. Israel was not limited to travel only when the conditions were right. With God’s presence, they could move forward any time—day or night. In the old testament, the Lord led them by the pillar of fire. In New testament, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” John 8:12. When Jesus is there to show us light, there should not be any room for darkness or unclear things. He will take control on all our decisions. Let us not take decisions in a hasty manner. Let us wait for the guidance and time of the Lord. The Lord gives light to every dark place in your life— emotional, spiritual, physical. Today we need to invite Jesus into your decisions, challenges, and uncertainties. The Lord still gives light to go forward.

3. Guidance is Personal and Purposeful

Exodus 13:21 '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.'

Here we see the Lord guided not only a group but each individual. He not only knew Israel as a whole but he knew them individually. Even in our lives, the Lord is fulfulling his calling person by person. He knows our names, struggles, and our future. We read in Isaiah 43:1 'But now, this is what the LORD says he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.' The Lord has called us by our name and we belong to him. This calling is specific to each and every person. We are not overlooked, God’s guidance is custom-fit for our life. The Lord did not just deliver Israel from Egypt but he was also leading them to the Promised Land. Each and every step in the wilderness is according to the purpose of the Lord. The pillar of cloud and pillar of fire were the intentional signs in the wilderness. We are not just a face in the crowd to God. We are personally known, intentionally called, and deeply loved. The Lord does not lead you with a generic plan. His guidance is custom-fit for our lives, our calling, and our season. Just as a shepherd calls each sheep by name, so God leads us with precision and care. Even in confusion or silence, He hasn’t forgotten us.

We need to spend more time with the Lord to establish a firm fellowship with him. If we do so, we can hear his divine voice. Just as God led Israel visibly, He still leads us today through His Word, Spirit, and peace. We read in Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” Like how the sheep recongizes the voice of its shepherd, the children recognize his voice when they are called by the Lord.

Trust in the God who goes before us, who lights our path, and who never leaves us day or night. Amen