Waiting on God

Illustration © Review and Herald Publ. Assoc.

I like to know the plan and schedule for the week.  I like routine and find comfort in a schedule.  Times of waiting when the end is unknown are difficult.  Our family runs on routine and regularity overall, though it is still pretty crazy with four kids.

Thus the text of Numbers 9:17-22 jumped out at me as being difficult for the children of Israel.  The text describes how God lead the children of Israel through the wilderness with the pillar of fire by night and cloud by day that settled upon the tabernacle.  When the cloud settled down, they camped in the spot; when it lifted up they packed up and headed out.  They never knew how long God would have them remain in a certain place.  Imagine each morning getting up and watching the cloud to see if you were staying or leaving.  

The section concludes with this statement:

“Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out.”  (Num. 9:22)

Think of the dependence and “walking with God” this created for the people of God.  They were taught patience and trust in watching and waiting on the cloud each morning.

I know there is a lesson there for my life.  I need to be more patient and wait on the Lord’s timing.  I often want him to move, but He takes no visible action.  But as I consider the text, I think the secret to their patience and trust, while facing uncertainty was knowing God was with them.  This is the secret for our lives as well.  When we are impatient, we need to be reminded that His presence is with us (Mat. 28:20).  We can remain in camp or pack up and leave, because God is with us each step of the way.

So in the end, I need the reminder, it is not so much where I am, as long as I am with God.  I just don’t want to pack up and leave when He stays, or stay when He leaves!