Exodus 13:17-18, 21-22
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God thought, ‘If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle.
The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
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Can you imagine what this must have been like--to be able to see the Lord's presence leading you exactly where you needed to be? Moses couldn't possibly have become lost, and there was no need to stop and ask for directions (every man's dream!).
While we don't have a literal pillar of cloud or fire (and if you do, that spells trouble nowadays rather than guidance), what we do have is a community of faithful people around us who care about us know what it's like to struggle with difficult decisions. Other people can help us make the right choices, the faithful choices, but we have to open ourselves up and give them the chance to let the Holy Spirit speak through them. We have to be willing to share our burdens, that others may help us carry them. So often we're in search of divine guidance, but we're afraid or timid and don't put ourselves in a place where that can happen.
So be open to God working in your life through the words and support of others. Perhaps it may even be more useful than pillars of fire!
Blessings
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