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DO NOT MOVE WITHOUT HIM

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • 13 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Today’s Reading:

Exodus 40:16-38

“In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out until the day it lifted.” (Exodus 40:36-37)



The passage before us marks the end of the book of Exodus and the completion of the tabernacle. These verses speak not just about a cloud and a tent, but about a divine rhythm of life, one where God leads, and His people follow. There are several lessons from the passage, but let’s explore three:

  1. Moving Based on God’s Presence:

    The cloud represents God’s manifest presence. It was not just a symbol; it was their GPS, their guide, and their guardian. The Israelites moved only when the cloud moved. They did not move based on convenience, fear, or opportunity. They waited for God. Are you moving ahead of God or waiting on Him? Are your decisions—whether in career, relationships, ministry, or business—guided by God's presence or by pressure? Psalm 32:8 says, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Any movement done in life without God’s instruction will lead to destruction.

  2. Waiting Is Not Wasting, rather Weaning:

    Sometimes, the cloud stayed for days, weeks, even months. But the people didn’t grumble; they stayed put. In our fast-paced world, waiting feels like wasting. The waiting period is used by God to wean His children of impatience and teach them trust, obedience, and dependence during those pauses. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Waiting seasons are training seasons. They are the weaning seasons which lead to winning. Do you want to be a winner in life? You can’t escape the waiting room of God.

  3. Obedience Is the Path to Progress and Protection:

    When the Israelites obeyed the cloud's movement, they stayed in the will of God, they avoided unnecessary battles and wilderness hazards, and they were sustained by manna, protected from enemies, and guided safely. Disobedience, on the other hand, would have meant walking alone, without the presence of God, exposed to danger. Obedience may not always be convenient, but it is always safe. The scriptures say in John 10:27 – "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."


The same God who guided the Israelites by cloud during the day and fire by night, wants to guide us today: through His Word, Holy Spirit and godly counsel. Let us be a people who move when God moves and stay when He stays. Are you following God's presence or your plans? Even when you can’t see the full path, trust the One who holds the map, and you will never regret you did.

JAMES ALADE



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully seek out a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Father, I thank you because you always guide and guard me.

  2. Lord, teach me to wait and to move only at Your command.

  3. Help me to depend totally and wholeheartedly on your leading, in Jesus’ name.

  4. No matter how hard it is, give me grace to wait on you in Jesus’ name.

  5. May l not yield to the pleasure and pressures of life in decision-making in Jesus’ name.

 
 
 

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