Many times when we pray, we ask God to send His angels before us and prepare our way. We trust that God will provide for us and help us in all our difficulties. However, when we face trouble, doubt creeps in, and we start to grumble against Him. We begin to question whether He is truly with us, wondering why He leads us to Mara. Let’s read a Bible verse:
“See, I am sending an Angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” – Exodus 23:20
The Israelites were told that an Angel was going before them to show the way, preparing paths in the desert and wilderness. They were able to witness God’s glory and hear His voice. Despite these great experiences, the Israelites faced difficulties. They grumbled when there was no food, water, and other necessities.
Wasn’t God leading them? Weren’t the clouds guiding them to different places? Did God not know the needs of the people? How much difficulty did the Israelites have to face before some of them started to grumble? Maybe some of them lost their cattle and animals, and perhaps their children fainted in the desert.
Now, let’s look at this situation differently. Why did the Israelites follow the Angel?
Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. – Numbers 9:17
The Israelites followed the cloud everywhere. When the cloud lifted from the Tent, they set out; when it stopped, they encamped. The cloud moved at its own pace. The cloud stopped when it wanted and did not look whether the place was good for camping.
In our lives too we must remember that we are looking at the cloud that is leading us. He will move at his own pace. We must remember to keep up with Him. The bible says that sometimes cloud stopped at evening and rose in the morning, giving the Israelites only a night’s rest. How many times have we grumbled when God calls from our comfort position?
Moving when the Angel set out was not easy for the Israelites. Because God had given them a specific order to follow. Judah had to lead, followed by Issachar, Zebulun, and a set of Levites taking down the tabernacle. Then came Reuben, Simeon, Gad, followed by another set of Levites carrying the Holy things of the tabernacle. The first set of Levites had to ensure the tabernacle was set before the second set arrived with the Holy things. Finally, six tribes followed in order: Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. It was challenging for the Israelites to move with the cloud.
Likewise, we may find it difficult to follow God’s rules and orders, living the way He has chosen for us. However, we must do what God wants us to do.
Consider why the Israelites followed that cloud. This Angel led them to the desert and wilderness, where they faced difficulties finding water and food. Even when the Angel led them to a waterside, the water was bitter. They could have left the camp and found their own way. Yes, breaking out of the slavery of Egypt was not easy, but they could have abandoned the camp when they crossed the Red Sea or realized that the cloud was leading them nowhere. Why did they choose to stick with the Angel of God?
Some may have known that outside the camp, they would not get the delicious manna. Some stayed to witness miracles. Others stayed because they promised to bury their fathers’ bones in the promised land. Yet, some Israelites stuck with the cloud because they knew it would ultimately lead them to the promised land – the land their forefathers spoke of and for which their fathers sacrificed much.
Now the question is for what purpose are you in the camp of Israel? Are you here because of the miracles? Are you here because of your parents and other relatives and friends? Or are you here because you want to inherit the promised land.
The Israelites marched boldly out of Egypt, visible to all Egyptians (Numbers 33:3), while the Egyptians were busy burying their firstborns. With such boldness, they set out, but when difficulties arose, they grumbled at the God who gave them that boldness.
Sometimes it is good to reflect on our old selves. We may have been bold before our enemies in the past, challenged the enemy, and set out to follow God. Are we maintaining that boldness today? Are we ready to make bold decisions in our lives, or are we tired of following God?
The Angel of God goes before you not to find food and water in the desert but to prepare the way for you. He is there to show you the path to the land flowing with milk and honey. If you stick with Him, you will realize that your sandals and clothes did not wear out, and you had food and water in the desert. If you remain with Him longer, you will realize that He went before you to instill fear in the hearts of your enemies.
Stick closer to God for He will prepare the way for you. Until then remain quiet and be seated in the QUIVER OF GOD.
May God bless you all..