REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Exodus 13:21 ESV | And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
Matthew 28:20 ESV | teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
OBJECTIVE
To realize that to be in God’s presence means to be walking by faith.
To see that God’s presence is with us in all circumstances.
CONTENT
Walking by Faith in His Presence
- We often feel like we’re carrying our calling alone. In an unbelieving world that has increasingly glorified self-reliance, disconnecting from His presence has bred complacency in our hearts. It is tempting to settle for what’s familiar rather than following the uncertainties that come with walking in the faith. If we fail to realize that walking with God comes with His provision and presence, we will feel that we are walking in our calling alone or likened to being in a wilderness where everything seems difficult. In reality, experiencing God’s presence provides us the necessary empowerment, guidance, and restoration to strengthen our faith.
His Presence Despite the Wilderness
- Even in the wilderness, God’s presence went before the Israelites as pillars of clouds and fire. The Lord is omnipresent, including in the challenging moments. Just as the Israelites were fraught with internal strife throughout the 40-day journey, we often resort to complaining about the hardships rather than seeking God’s presence first. So even when we seem like we are going through wilderness, God is not leaving us alone but instead, God wants us to rely more on Him. Through the wilderness, the Israelites have more opportunities to experience God’s presence and provision before stepping into their calling, The Promised Land.
- The Lord allowed the path that is longer and more difficult for the Israelites in order to forge a new people through a relationship of trust and dependence on Him. Without walking in His provision and strength, the Jordan River couldn’t have miraculously parted, and the city of Jericho as well as the rest of Canaan couldn’t have been conquered. Upon Moses’ death, God appointed Joshua to lead the people and finally bring fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Moses, and the Israelites. It is only through experiencing Emmanuel that we may declare praise of the One who called us out of the darkness and into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9)!
CONCLUSION
God’s appointment in our lives is not to bring us harm but to work together with us. In fact, because relational is in His nature, we can be assured that He is always with us. Therefore, even in our assignment from God, He won’t let us be alone. Aside from Him being with us always, He can also send people to assist us along the way.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What often distracts you from sensing and acknowledging His presence?
- How does God’s presence give you courage to step into something He’s calling you to do?
- What is one area in your life right now where you want to experience Emmanuel more deeply?
REFERENCES