Exodus 40:36-37
“And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up.”
After the children of Israel built and erected the tabernacle according to the word of the LORD, a cloud with God’s presence covered it. That cloud was showing Israel that God was pleased with their obedience to His Word.
The Scriptures go further by telling us that the cloud also became the tool used to guide the children of Israel throughout the wilderness. The cloud also became a pillar of fire by night so they clearly see the LORD’s leading and have warmth at night from the cool of the desert. This was how the LORD led in their lives.
When it comes to the leading of the LORD, Christians seem to have little discernment. You often hear someone say, “I feel the LORD is leading me to…” They base the LORD’s leading off feelings instead of knowing that the LORD is leading. Going off feelings is very dangerous because you never know when those feelings are truly yours or if they are being influenced by outside situations. I believe this story shows some very clear signs about the leading of the LORD.
First, the leading of the LORD is oftentimes found in church. The cloud and the pillar of fire rested upon the tabernacle. The tabernacle was where Israel met for services. You will find it hard to find the LORD’s leading in your life when you are missing church. Moreover, this is why you shouldn’t miss church because you never know when the LORD is going to lead you in a church service. It would be terrible if you missed the LORD’s leading in your life because you frivolously miss church. If you want to find the LORD’s leading, then you need to be faithful to church.
Second, the leading of the LORD is found in the Scriptures. Inside the tabernacle were the tables of stone that had the writing of God upon them. We have the Word of God to read daily. You will find the LORD’s leading in your life inside the pages of the Word of God. You must be careful about missing one day of reading His Word. His voice of leading can be found as you read the pages of His Word, and one day of not reading the Scriptures could be the one day you miss His leading.
Third, the leading of the LORD will never disagree with His Word. Wherever the LORD led Israel, the tables of stone went as well. When the LORD leads in your life, you will find that it never disagrees with His Word. If what you feel is the leading of the LORD doesn’t agree with the Scriptures, then you can be sure that isn’t the LORD leading. The LORD’s leading will always agree with Scripture.
Finally, the leading of the LORD is found through patience. Israel could not move ahead of the cloud or lag behind. It took patience to follow His leading. You must continually keep your eye on the LORD and be patient as He leads in your life. Be careful not to become inpatient and move ahead or be lazy and lag behind. Moving at God’s pace always moves you at God’s speed.
The LORD’s leading in your life is clear if you will keep your eyes upon Him. Don’t let your feelings blur your vision of His leading, but keep your eyes on Him by following these four steps.