16 October Numbers 10

Allow God to go out before you.

Numbers 10:33-34 (NIV) “So they set out from the mountain of the Lord and travelled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them during those three days to find them a place to rest. 34 The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp”.

The ark went before the people as they marched through the wilderness. It symbolised what the people stood for. It also symbolised that God led the way on their journey. His cloud also led them as Israel marched forward. As children of God, we must allow God to lead us. Deuteronomy 5:33 (NIV) “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess”. Confirmed by God’s presence in Leviticus 26:12 (NIV) “I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people”.

No matter what you're going through, God is there to help you. You can always ask Him for help. When you're feeling frustrated or angry, talk to Him. When you're upset and can't keep going, reach out to Him. He will always be there to lift you and help you move forward.

Without walking with God, life becomes more burdensome because we're trying to do everything independently. It’s like trying to figure things out without help, making things more complicated than needed. God is like a light that guides us on the right path. Without Him, we are left to find our way in the dark. So why struggle when God is there to guide you? John 8:12 (NIV) “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Further confirmed by Isaiah 43:15-16 (NIV) “I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.” This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters”.

Notice that it doesn't say, "If you go through deep waters..." It's not a question of if it will happen but when. It also doesn't say, "when others go through deep waters," but "when you go through..." It will happen to you. But thank God that He also says, "I will be with you!" That changes everything.

In conclusion, just as God went before the Israelites, leading them through the wilderness and providing guidance, He desires to go before us in our lives. We are not meant to walk alone or navigate life's challenges by our strength. Instead, we are called to follow God's lead, trusting He will direct our paths and provide the light we need. By walking in obedience to His commands and allowing Him to guide us, we will find peace, rest, and purpose, no matter the challenges we face. As Isaiah reminds us, when the waters rise, God is with us, leading the way and giving us the strength to move forward. Let us surrender control, invite God to lead, and trust His promise to always walk with us.