September 8 – Exodus 13:17-22

September 8 – Exodus 13:17-22

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17  When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” 

18  But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle. 

19  Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for Joseph [a]  had

made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones with you from here.” 

20  And they moved on from Succoth and encamped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 

21  And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give

them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 

22  The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.

 

These verses share how God went before the Israelites.  He continues daily to go before us as well. 

 

How have you witnessed God going before you? 

 

How are you comforted to know that God watches over us and is already in our situations?

 

Recall a time or times when without hesitation you know that God went before you. 

 

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You are always with me, and You make the paths straight.  You are there to be my guide, my help, my strength, and my shield.  I get so frustrated with myself when I don’t take advantage of You and all You want to do for me and try to do things myself.  Why do I do that?  Why do I try to run ahead, or do things without consulting You?  I know You can see what tomorrow will bring, so why do I not take advantage of that and just sit back and follow You?  I’m sure You are shaking Your head right now saying You wish You knew why because I always find myself in quicksand when I try to go it alone.  We see in Your Word over and over again when a prophet, king or follower goes their own way for a time, and they always regretted it.  I can’t remember how many times in my life I can look back and say, “Why on earth did I do that?  God had His plan all ready for me and I totally ignored it?”

 

Thank You Father for loving me even in those times I go astray. Thank You for loving me when I am so unlovable.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!