You’ll notice God didn’t give Israel a map of the wilderness and say, “I’ll meet you again when you get to Mt. Sinai.” He personally led them day-by-day: 1) He protected them: revealing hidden things that would cause them to stumble; 2) He sheltered them: shading them from the glare of the scorching sun; 3) He guided them: leading them with direction and purpose; 4) He comforted them: showing them a sign of His presence day and night.

Today the Lord still takes us into the wilderness where we face trials, just as He did with Israel. He still wants to use such events to build our faith. He wants to teach us to overcome them by drawing on His constantly available power. And so, as He did with Israel He doesn’t send us into the wilderness alone, but personally goes with us. We too are given the cloud and the fire.