pillar of fire

In the book of Exodus, God leads his people by several ways as they head toward the promised land.  Two that are amazing are the pillars of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13).  The people are supposed to follow these two pillars wherever they go.  It's pretty simple actually.  If the pillar moves, we move.  If the pillar stops, we stop.  There is a part of me that envies the simplicity of this kind of straightforward communication from God.  I mean, one of the most common questions people ask me as a Pastor is "what is God's will for my life" and a pillar of fire telling you where to go is pretty clear...right?  
 
But, it must also have been frustrating.  There was no predictable pattern to the pillars.  Sometimes they would stay in place for a long time.  Other times they would move after just a few days in camp.  Those of us who like to be able to plan our routines and schedules would find it VERY frustrating.  
 
But the point isn't if we like the leading of God or not...the point is that we follow the leading of God.  In truth, sometimes we DON'T like the leading of God.  Sometimes he takes us places we don't want to go.  Sometimes he makes us stay in places we would rather not stay.  Sometimes he leads us out of places where we wish we could linger.  But we go where he leads.  
 
I don't have a pillar of fire to lead me, but I do have the word of God (a light to my feet), the example of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to guide me...and that's plenty.  Now, I just have to follow Him.
 
Onward,
Pastor Scott