In the first chapter of Deuteronomy, we are reminded that God is leading the way; he’s fighting for us. We’ve seen Him lead the way. We’ve felt Him carry us like His children. He has always led us, and He will always lead us. He knows the way; we don’t.

We have to trust Him completely to show us His direction. Yes, that is easier said than done most times. Sometimes we need a little sign that God is leading and clearing the way. The Israelites had a fire by night and a cloud by day to show them the way out in the wilderness.

Dear God, please show us a fire and a cloud so we can see Your path.

I read the story in Numbers 22 (The Message translation) about Balaam and his donkey. Balaam was going on his way when his donkey stopped on the road and wouldn’t go any further. Balaam hit the donkey 3 times because she kept stopping. Finally, God made the donkey talk and say, “Am I not your trusty donkey on whom you’ve ridden for years right up until now? Have I ever done anything like this to you before? Have I? Balaam said no, and God helped Balaam see there was an angel with a sword blocking the road. God was trying to tell Balaam to slow down. “I have come here to block your way because you’re getting way ahead of yourself.”

Isn’t that just like us? We’re either running on ahead of God or we’re lagging behind. That makes me think of the Point of Grace song “Steady On.” We, too often, run ahead and do our thing or we lag behind what God is doing. It is hard to wait on God and hard to walk beside Him.

“Steady On” Chorus:

“We run on up ahead
We lag behind you
It’s hard to wait when heaven’s on our minds
Teach our restless feet to walk beside you
Cause in our hearts we’re already gone
Will you walk with us
Steady on”