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.

---

DAY 3: Missing Out

A few years ago, God invited me to take a simple next step. He asked me to go first and reconcile with someone I had no interest in reconciling with. I know that sounds awful to admit. Every week I try to inspire people to reconcile with Jesus and the people in their lives, but in this instance, I just couldn’t bring myself to actually go first. So I started negotiating with God. Maybe you know how this goes: God, I can’t right now. I’m busy. I’ll do it next week. Graciously, God waits a week and then asks you again. God, I know I should, but I have to prioritize my family time right now. I know you want me to focus on my family. I’ ll get around to it later. A few weeks go by, and again he gently asks you. I am going to do it, I promise. Tomorrow. I’ll call him tomorrow.

 

For a few months, I just kept negotiating with God. My heart refused to follow, and I kept justifying why I couldn’t take this step. Then one day I woke up to discover that I had received a text message from this person congratulating me on our church’s new campus, along with an apology for his part of the issues of the past. As I read and reread his text, humbled by his message, I realized I missed my chance to go first in reconciling a relationship that was broken over some very small things. He went first and did what God had asked me to do.

 

As tears filled my eyes, I felt the gentle voice of the Lord again. Johnny, the reason I wanted you to go first and reconcile with him was because I was going to show you more of myself in that moment. I wanted you to take that step so you could see more of me. I want you to follow me so you can be free.

 

That was a defining moment in my walk with God. That day, I realized he wasn’t trying to make my life harder; he was trying to reveal something to me. But I wasn’t willing to come, so I wasn’t able to see. I missed out. I knew God wasn’t mad at me, but I was heartbroken that I missed experiencing more of him. I never want to experience that feeling again. I don’t want to be a God negotiator; I want to be a cloud follower.

 

CHALLENGE:

Find an opportunity this week to listen to God’s voice and act on the plan with which He is calling you to follow. What next step is He asking you to do? How will you make that a reality this week?