In A Foreign Country

Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.”

Hence God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt….

The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and night.   He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

Exodus 13:17-18; 21-22

Sometimes life as we know it turns upside down.  It may be a divorce or losing a job or a child gets sick or in trouble or we may we wake up one morning in the middle of a war zone.  The result is that we are confused and humbled and angry and we are not sure what is going on or what we should do.  When this happens to me I think, “I am in a foreign country and I don’t understand the customs or the language or what to do.”

Moses and the Israelites faced this when the Pharaoh let them go and the Lord led them out into the desert, where they proceeded to do lots of complaining.  Even in the midst of the people doubting God, God never abandoned them.  God led them and they followed Him to the Promised Land. 

God is with us today.  When we don’t know what to do, we can call on God and He hears us.  He comforts us and calms us and reassures us that no matter what happens He will see us through.