Numbers Chapter 9: Verses 21-23 (NIV-UK)
Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the Lord’s command they set up camp, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses.
It must have taken a bit of work to set up and break camp. The Israelites did not know where they were going and were reliant on God’s direction so they had to move when He did, no matter when. They couldn’t lag behind either.
Are we also quick to do as God says, or do we sometimes drag our feet because we are tired, not ready, or we are comfortable where we are? Or are we so keen to do things our own way that we don’t wait for God’s direction? The Israelites must have had to wait in a state of readiness watching for the signal that the cloud of God was moving on. I think we have become so settled in our own ways, or at least personally speaking, that we are not in that same attitude of readiness to move when God tells us to, and that’s when we can get ourselves into difficult situations.
Dear Lord, I know that I am guilty of getting comfortable and settled, even in my spiritual life. Help me to walk in readiness to move at Your direction. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.