Life Plan Devotion #148 [Guidance]

Hi, Everyone.
Thank you for praying for me yesterday. I woke up feeling much more rested. After everyone left for work and school, I had my quiet time and then went to the computer. I had today's devotion finished in about an hour and a half. I'm very thankful. Please pray for me daily, if you think of me. Pray for all those having surgery today or recovering from surgery. Pray for those who are within a few weeks of their scheduled surgery, as I know that can be a scary time.
As always, it blesses me to hear from you.

Life Plan Devotion #148 [Guidance]

Exodus 13:21-22 "By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people" (NIV).

     Moses, empowered and protected by God, has led the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, out of bondage, and bound for the Promised Land...Canaan. Between Egypt and "the land flowing with milk and honey," a wilderness must be crossed.
     Picture with me an Israelite woman, perhaps from the tribe of Judah ("Judah" means "praise") rising early in the morning, lifting up the flap of the family tent, and walking out into the sunrise. She looks up at the sky, sees the standing-column pillar turn from fire to cloud, breathes a sigh of relief and whispers, "The LORD is still with us. Praise His Holy Name."
     Nothing is more important to God's children than knowing that He is with us, that He does not leave us in our wilderness journey from this earthly land of Egypt to our heavenly Canaan Land. While we do not see a tangible evidence of God's presence, as did the children of Israel, we have something better--His indwelling presence, and as we look to Him and follow Him, we experience His daily provision and guidance.
     As we begin a new mini-series on God's guidance, think about how He has guided you throughout your life, so far. Take a moment to thank Him for His leading.

What this has to do with weight loss: There are moments on our weight-loss journey when we just don't know which way to turn. Perhaps there's something that just doesn't feel quite right, but we're not sure what it is. Perhaps our exercise routine has lost its effectiveness, and we're not sure what to change. Perhaps we're at a weight-loss plateau, so we need to know how to jumpstart our body. We have Someone who will guide us, who will give us ideas to try or put someone in our path who will give us just the right information we need, at just the right moment. God cares about every part of your journey, even your weight-loss journey. Turn to Him for guidance. He is faithful.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, even though I cannot see You, as did the Israelites, when You went before them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, I am persuaded that You never leave me or forsake me. You have promised that in Your Word. I need Your guidance, Lord, because I recognize that on my own, I can falter and lose my way. Thank You for showing me the path I should take this day. My eyes are on You, and my ears are listening for Your Voice. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today, walking in the guidance of your loving Heavenly Father.

Blessings,
Mary

Thanks Mary!
  This reminded me of a little sign I saw in a Christian book store   "YOU ASK ME TO GUIDE YOUR WAY BUT YOU DON'T WANT TO MOVE YOUR FEET"
  This is so true not only with our Spiritual walk but that journey of getting healthy... we want the guidance but often dont want to put out the effort  ...or action that it takes to "get there"..

Thanks so much for reading and replying. I wasn't sure anyone was really out there today. :) I wish I had read this quote before I wrote tomorrow's devotion. It would have fit perfectly. Maybe I'll include it in my "Hi, Everyone" note. :)  Sad to say, I've been there, done that. If God would just make me instantly at goal, I'd gladly let Him. Of course, He wants me to learn things along the way. I know He knows best...and I know He knows I can be pretty lazy. :(
I'm so happy He's patient with me. :)
Blessings,
Mary