You may remember the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt to a land promised to them by God.

But just how did they learn to trust God on their journey through the wilderness to this very special place, the land of Canaan?

And more importantly, what can we learn from this today as we follow Jesus and journey through our own lives?

Let’s take a look:

21 God went ahead of them in a Pillar of Cloud during the day to guide them on the way, and at night in a Pillar of Fire to give them light; thus they could travel both day and night. 22 The Pillar of Cloud by day and the Pillar of Fire by night never left the people.

Exodus 13:21-22 (The Message)

When Pharaoh released the Israelites from slavery in Egypt it must have been a day for rejoicing. Moses had led them across the Red Sea and I guess they must have felt finally free after the waters crashed down upon their enemies!

But although they were no longer slaves, their journey and their troubles were far from over. In fact the next problem facing them was the harsh desert!!! 

* How do you think the Israelites felt when they left Egypt and went into the desert?

Well, I reckon they would have been pretty unsure about the way ahead, confused and scared don’t you?

The desert was a tough and dangerous place. During the day, it would have been unbearably hot. Not only that, but there would have hardly been any food around or water to drink. But most of all, the Israelites wouldn't have know how to survive in the desert because they lived their entire life as slaves in Egypt. This was all completely new to them.

* And which direction should they go? Could you imagine being lost in a big desert and not having any map or direction of which way to go?

The Pillar of Cloud

Well, God had a special plan to keep the Israelites safe and to make sure they wouldn’t get lost.

During the daytime they could see above them a huge cloud rising up like a pillar into the sky. When the cloud moved slowly forward they moved with it. When God's cloud stopped above the tent, the Israelites also stopped and pitched a tent. It may have been many days or month until the cloud moved again. But the people stayed where they were until that happened.

The  cloud did more than just show them where to go though. During the day when it was hot, the cloud also gave them shade to keep them cool so they could survive in the scorching desert heat.

The Pillar of Fire

Night time in the desert is opposite to the scorching day time because the temperature can sharply drop. It is difficult to stay healthy in this climate. Not only that, there are venomous creatures such as snakes and scorpions.

* So how were the Israelites able to stay unharmed?

Well, at night when it was cold and dark, a cloud wasn’t much good. So that was when the huge cloud would turn into a pillar of fire. The fire gave them light at night. It helped to keep them warm in the cold desert. And it scared away the wild animals that might try to hurt them.

The cloud and fire also kept their enemies away. Could you imagine going to attack someone and see this gigantic moving cloud or fire above their camp!!

What great protection for the children of Israel - Gods own provision to them, a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of cloud by night.

How awesome is that!

The Israelites had no detailed plan of the way ahead did they, they simply had to trust God. The very presence of God was leading them, and all they needed to do was simply follow.

But how does all this apply to us today?

Well, God doesn’t give us a map ahead of time for our own lives, any more than he gave the children of Israel a map. And of course it’s not very likely that we will see God’s presence today in the form of a cloud or a pillar of fire lighting our way!

So how does God guide us then?

Well the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit lives within us when we come to know Jesus for ourselves. This wasn’t the case for the Israelites. But today we can have in our own personal lives the same Spirit that was guiding the Israelites. We have something in that sense, (or someone) better than a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.

If we are followers of Jesus, then we can be assured that he will provide for us and show us the way. Our steps will be directed. Sometimes we may have to wait for answers and God may answer differently than we expect but if we trust him for his leading and guiding we know our lives are in safe hands!