Exodus 13:21-22
The God of the In-Between
5 minute read
The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were not given in Egypt and were not needed in Canaan. They were for the wilderness — the long, unclear middle.
September often feels like the middle: the summer is over, the year is not, and nothing is resolved. That is exactly the terrain these verses were written for.
“The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” Did not depart. Not on the slow days, not on the ones where they doubled back.
Guidance in the wilderness was given one day at a time, and it was always enough for that day.
Reflect
- What in-between place are you standing in right now?
- What would it change to look for guidance for today rather than clarity for the year?
- Where has God's presence already not departed, even when you doubted it?
Pray
Lord, be my cloud and my fire in this middle place. Give me light enough for today and the faith to follow it. Amen.