“It’s Time to Move”
By Dianne Prince
“Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out” (Numbers 9:22, NIV).
Proverbs 8:7 tells us, “Since no one knows the future, who can tell someone else what is to come?”
In our scripture this morning, we get a glimpse of what to expect when waiting on God for guidance. The children of Israel were being guided by the cloud night and day as they made their journey to the Promised Land. When the cloud moved, the people were being told by God it was time to move on in confidence. When the cloud settled over the tabernacle, it indicated the people were to stand still with a “settled” spirit. Why? God had put them in a holding pattern until further guidance from Him. Sometimes the people waited for days. Other times they waited for months in the same spot until God told them it was time to move forward.
God will sometimes direct us to move quickly. Other times, He will tell us to wait for an undetermined amount of time. The lesson for us this morning is this: while waiting, “settle in.” Do not struggle impatiently. Do not get frustrated. Do not get ahead of God’s plan. And most of all do not use the wrong means to get relief. Instead wait patiently until you clearly hear what God is saying to you.
If you have been praying and your prayers have not yet been answered, put yourself in a holding pattern. While you are in a holding pattern, read God’s Word. Study daily. Stand still. And continue to do the last instruction you received from Him until He gives you the next instruction to “move.”
Today, do not react to uncomfortable circumstances based on what is logical, based on pressure from those around you, based on your emotions or based on the recommendation of a trusted friend. If you do not hear from God that it is time to move, settle in where you are. And do not move until God says it is time.
