365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns June 15

365 Ways to Know God by Elmer Towns

(Devotional Readings on the Names of God)

June 15

JESUS: CLOUD

I don't want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, what happened to our

ancestors in the wilderness long ago. God guided all of them by sending a

cloud that moved along ahead of them, and he brought them all

safely through the waters of the sea on dry ground.

1 CORINTHIANS 10:1, NLT

Jesus is a picture of the Cloud that led Israel through the wilderness (see Exodus 14:19). He knew what He was doing when Israel followed Him to a dead end at the Red Sea. There were mountains on both sides, and Pharaoh's army was chasing them from behind. There was no way across the sea. Why did Jesus put them in such a dangerous position? So His people would look to Him. Have you ever been at a dead end? Perhaps Jesus led you there to teach you the greatest lessons in life. You're never at a dead end by yourself. Don't fear, for He is behind you, keeping the enemy away. Don't panic, for He has a solution; you can leave a dead end as a victor.

Lord, too often I am problem focused, not victory focused. Teach me to

look beyond my dead-end situations to see You at work in my life.

When you get to a dead end, do what Israel did. First, wait on the Lord. Perhaps He's stopped your progress so that you can learn about your finiteness and His almighty power. Just as Israel didn't expect the Lord to roll back the sea, maybe you don't know yet how He'll solve your problems. Second, just as Moses lifted his rod for Israel to go forward, so Jesus wants you to walk forward through your obstacles. If Jesus doesn't test your faith, you'll not trust His guidance.

Lord, thank You for the dead ends of my life, which make me look to

You. Today, I look to You and call on Your power to see me through

 my obstacles. It's good to get going again. Amen.

Reading: Exodus 14:19-22

Key Thought: Look for God's purpose when you come to a dead end.