We Will Not Go

Recently, I came across an Old Testament story that I've heard so many times before.  It is the story of Moses leading God's people out of Egypt.  You know the story: the slaves are freed, miraculously cross the Red Sea, enter the Promised Land.  That's the story we're all taught, right? 

Actually, before Moses led the people to the promised land, they first spent time worshiping God in the middle of the desert!  We usually pass over this part and skip right to the reward of the Promised Land.  That is, after all, the final destination; but what about the journey to get there? 

Exodus 13:20-22 (NIV)  After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert.  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.  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. 

God didn't want to just bring His people to a wonderful place; He wanted to bring them closer to Him.  To do this, they needed to make a pit stop in the vast sands of the desert, not in the land that flows with abounding gifts.  If we were in a beautiful place, would we really stop to think about how God's grace got us there?  If we are always focused on rewards (money, friends, success), we lose sight of what is truly important: our relationship with the God of the universe! We need to remember that our goal is to draw near to our Creator - our goal is not to just reap rewards from Him. 

Fire by Night Cloud by Day (We Will Not Go) by Kelly Minter   Fire by night, cloud by day; our God will lead the way. Desert sand or promised land; our God will lead the way. Forever we will follow, no matter what tomorrow holds. We will not go, we will not move, we will not walk without Your presence. We will wait for You. The great I Am, almighty God, we are desperate for Your presence. And without You, we will not go. Troubled soul when darkness comes; our God will lead the way. Joyful heart when blessings flow; our God will lead the way.

Don't depart for the Promised Land without God in your life.  Life's rewards will be meaningless if you don't have a relationship with the One who gave them to you.  Remember that He is always with you, even if you feel you are stuck in the middle of a desert searching for those Promised Lands...