It’s easy to know the will of God: follow the cloud
We make knowing the will of God way too hard.
Let’s change that.
Israel in the wilderness had it simple. Move when the cloud moved.
We have to analyze, dissect, and navigate it all.
Just follow.
Here is what it means to “follow the cloud”:
We make too many plans.
Planning is good, but it is subject to the movement of the cloud.
The Holy Spirit directs us when and where, and we just follow.
Following is the most challenging lesson of leadership. We want to lead, but He is leading.
"As many as are led by the Spirit, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).
Make up your mind that His way is better than your way. Following the cloud is exciting! His way is perfect.
2. Wait on Him…walk with Him.
God is supposed to be “in command.” We cannot rush Him or stop Him.
We sit. And wait. We wait for His command, His movement, His direction.
Why do we plunge ahead into scheduling events that He is not attending?
Why do we make to-do lists that He is not included in?
Why can’t we just “camp” when He stops and go about our lives with one eye always on the cloud?
Wait upon Him. Wait for Him.
Walk with Him.
3. You cannot predict God’s direction.
Some days, the cloud stopped overnight.
Sometimes, it stayed for weeks…or months.
God rarely moves twice in the same way.
We start predicting His moves. Relax. A shepherd knows where the grass is growing and moves his flock there when ready.
People build monuments around the moves of God. He has already moved on, and they are just finishing their monument!
Stay ready to move. A phonograph needle that gets stuck in a groove is miserable! Be prepared to follow the movements of God in your life.
4. Some ways the cloud moves:
A pastor’s direction for His flock. Sometimes, God leads an entire church in a direction by the pastor, His “under-shepherd.”
A parent’s direction for their child. Godly parents know the timing and compatibility of relationships.
A Scripture the Holy Spirit highlights. Often, the Spirit will have you “camp” on a nugget of truth or direction.
An inward peace or “check.” God’s Spirit always leads us with a relaxed peace instead of a hurried push, strain, and struggle.
Spend time in prayer, waiting on the Lord.
Open your spirit to His direction and peace.
Stay connected to your spiritual authority.
Fast and pray if you are unsure of His direction.
The cloud provided heat at night and shade in the day. Life is supposed to be a rest. “He MAKES me lie down in green pastures.”
Has the cloud moved on, and you stayed camped? Have you moved forward without the cloud?
Back up, and find the cloud.
God makes the decisions. We just need to learn to follow.