Pastor’s Corner: “No Passing Zone”
Exodus 13:21 (NIV) – “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.”
When God delivered his people from slavery in Egypt, he went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide them on their way. The Bible says that “neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people” (Exodus 13:22). We see that the people followed the pillar of cloud; the cloud did not follow them. And though there were many misteps along the way, and unbelief at times in their journey, God’s plan was ultimately fulfilled for Israel as they entered the Promised Land.
What does this say to us today? It teaches us that we have to follow God’s leading for our lives. We can’t just make up our own plans, or follow our own dreams, and then ask God to bless what we have already decided to do. A Christian young man or young lady can’t just choose a mate because the person looks good and has a lot of money in the bank. A church can’t embark on a building project just because they want a prettier building. Yes, God has that mate for you, and yes, God wants his people to have a meeting place that will accommodate them. But we have to seek him and follow him wherever, whenever, and however he leads us. Not to do that will make for disaster in our lives. It has even caused some to shipwreck their faith as disappointment sets in when things don’t work out the way we had hoped. Remember that God doesn’t want us to fail. The Bible says that he has plans to prosper us, not to harm us. But we can’t get ahead of him!
When traveling on the highway, we see all kinds of road signs. One of the most important ones to obey is the “No Passing Zone” sign. It is obviously designed to keep people from trying to pass other vehicles on the road in a location that could be dangerous. Highway engineers know best and know exactly where to place these signs to keep travelers safe. We should be aware of the “No Passing Zone” signs in our own lives. God has things in control, but when He is not moving fast enough for us, we tend to want to pass Him up and do things our own way. We are in a hurry and ignore the warning signs. We think we know best and sometimes decide to do things our way.
God no longer goes ahead of us in a pillar of cloud or a pillar of fire, but he has given us His Amazing, and Beautiful Holy Spirit to help, to lead, to teach, to support, and to guide us. He is the one who has to lead us by day and give us light by night when trials and difficulties seem to darken the path before us, so that we can be successful in all we do. Do you recognize Holy Spirit’s leading in your life? Are you even looking? Jesus said in John 16 that it was better for Him to go away because the Father was sending someone better – the Advocate – Holy Spirit! 1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV) – Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? John 14:26 (NIV) – 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:16 (ESV) – And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. You have the best GPS living inside of you! Follow and trust His leading.
It’s really best if we just heed the warnings and let the Engineer on High tell us how fast to go and just let Him lead the way. Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV) – 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. TRUST HIM!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton