My Pillar of Cloud

Today started out no so good. Whether because of lack of sleep; a conversation I had last night that is weighing on my mind; the fact that so many parents today seem clueless to what culture is teaching their children through smutty shows (insert any show you can think of here, I am); the issues I still am working through after stepping down from my position as Director of Children's Ministries, or the fact that I am in "waiting" mode, but I was melancholy to say the least.

Fast forward to me taking the kids to school early because Jeremiah "forgot" until 9:30 last night that he had Social Studies homework. We turned unto Lake Michigan Dr. (for those familiar with the area) and BOOM - God showed himself! The sky was the most beautiful pink color. Jeremiah said "you can thank me now" (those that know him insert sarcasm here). So we travel down the road and I make another Michigan U-turn (gotta love um', not), and there in that most beautiful pink sky was a beam of pink shooting straight up! Just like a Pillar.

BOOM! God tells me "I am with you, I go before you, trust Me". WOW! I love when he does that! I wish I were like Mari and always keep a camera in my car (which I did actually say to my kids btw Mari), but alas I have no picture of the actual beam. This picture is the closest I could come.

Here is some of what the Bible says about the Pillar of Smoke:

Exodus 13:21-22

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. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Exodus 14:13-14, 19-20, 24
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (A verse I memorized, not a biggy, but a biggy!)

Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.

During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion.

The Pillar of Cloud was a sign of God's presence with His people. It was a reminder that he was going to take care of them and fight for them. It was a comfort and a shield to them. It was a guide to them by day, and a light to them at night. A constant presence and a constant guard.

He is that for me (and you) as well! Praise be to God we are not alone!!! He is going before me and He is going to be the one fighting the battle. I just need to be still and then remember to follow Him!

THANK YOU LORD FOR THIS REMINDER!!!!!!!!