Catalyst Track: Follow the Cloud // Day One

This week’s 3-day track comes from the book, Follow the Cloud: Hearing God’s Voice One Next Step at a Time, written by John Stickl.

So what is the cloud? Well, it’s a physical picture of a spiritual truth hidden in the ancient story of the Exodus. “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” (Exodus 13:21).

Can you imagine what that would have looked like? The entire nation of Israel following a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire by night. The presence of God leading them from slavery to the Promised Land.

In this 3-day track, John challenges us to follow the cloud and trust in God’s plan. One of the most important aspects of leadership is being able to trust in the process; not steering away from being the one to take the first step.

Perhaps you’ve struggled with taking the first step to explore a new career, confront a loved one, or let go of an experience from the past. Whatever your trial may be, take the next few days to consider the ways in which you can better follow the cloud. Complete the challenges at the end of the day to help guide your reflection.

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DAY 1: One Step at a Time

 

Of all the ways God could have led his people, he chose to do it through a personal and ever-present cloud. Because that is who God is: intimately personal and always present. This cloud represented his tangible presence. It defined their identity, surrounded them with his love, and led them into a land of freedom.

 

From within this mighty cloud, he spoke with the gentleness of a whisper: Follow me, one next step at a time. When I move, you move. When I stop, you stop. Where I go, you go. Keep your eyes on me. Stay in step with the cloud, and I will lead you to discover who you are, who I am, and what you were created to do. Following the cloud is how I have learned to live my life and how our leadership team leads our church: listening to God’s voice and following his presence by faith wherever he goes. And although I don’t always understand what he is doing, I have learned that every time I have the courage to follow, I learn more about who I am, who he is, and what I am created to do.

 

Every time I follow, he awakens more of my heart. With every next step, I see a little bit more of Jesus and become a little bit freer of myself. And that is the same journey I believe he is inviting you to take.

 

Reflection: Answer the poll below.

How well do you feel you follow the cloud?

1. A. I always follow the cloud
2. B. I follow the cloud in certain aspects of my life
3. C. I have reservations and rarely follow the cloud