My guide

One of my favorite imageries in scripture is that of God as a leader for the Israelites in a pillar of cloud and fire. While they were travelling towards the land the Lord wanted them to enter, the cloud and fire went ahead of them and guided them.

Did this mean that the Israelites never feared or had doubts? Of course not. Even though they were sure of the way to go-they still insisted on sending their own spies up ahead of themselves to scope out the land-to see if it was good, and if there would be any tough opposition there. When the spies returned with a good report, they were still in doubt. Moses reassured them saying that God would fight for them, and not to be afraid or discouraged.
Deuteronomy 1:32 says,

"In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go. "

I just love that. In my opinion this whole story serves as an example of what God does for us today. He is our guide, a kind of scout, searching out the way for us to go. But not really searching-more like just leading. God knows the best way for us. He goes on ahead of us. He has infinite knowledge so He can look out across the passage of time and places and see what is the exact best path for us to take, and He takes us there.

The great thing to remember is that God guides us to our destination, meaning that sometimes along the way we may have troubles but that doesnt mean that we are going the wrong way. God has reasons for the trials we face, but our final destination is a good place-the place He wants us. The best place for us to be.

This is especially helpful and important for me to remember lately as Im having to make a lot of decisions. I may not understand the places He may take me, but I hope and my prayer is that I will follow His direction and not my own.

I also know, that just like the Israelites I may have fears and doubts but the important thing is to not let them stop me from following Him. The most comforting words for me here are the following

"Do not be terrified; do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place." Deuteronomy 1:29-32

And even though there are a lot of uncertainties in my life right now, I can truly say Im not afraid or anxious. I trust God, and I know He will guide me to the right place. :)