Catalyst Track: Follow the Cloud // Day Two

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 2: Restful Movement

 

Following the cloud is simply a life of restful movement. We rest in Jesus and yet never stop moving forward with him. Like the first-century Christians, we are the “followers of the Way”

(Acts 9:2, nlt). We have nothing to achieve, prove, or earn. We have everything to receive, discover, and explore. We restfully move in step with him. That is the way of Jesus.

So here is my question and challenge for you: What if you had the courage to follow the cloud—to listen to God’s voice and respond to his presence, to move when he moves and stop when he stops? You might not fully understand it, and it might not always make sense, but you can trust that he is always leading you toward your Promised Land. In fact, your next step is often in the direction of your greatest fear. He leads you toward your fears so that you can become fearless in his love!

The cloud is moving in your life right now, leading you toward his freedom one next step at a time. Maybe he is inviting you to follow him into a new job, a new career, a new relationship,

or a new school. Maybe he is inviting you to let go of something old or pick up something new. Maybe he is inviting you to extend forgiveness, release generosity, share your story, or give up your addiction. Maybe he is inviting you to break out of the rut and routine you’ve been stuck in for years. I don’t know what your next step is, but I know he wants you to get to your Promised Land even more than you do.

And your Promised Land isn’t a destination; it’s a revelation of who you are, who he is, and what you were created to do. It’s life in the Father’s heart. And although you may not even be aware of it, he is there. Calling. Drawing. Inviting you to follow. Inviting

you home.

 

One.

Next step.

At a time.

 

REFLECT:

God calls us to follow the cloud every day. You may choose to move forward with Him, or perhaps you tried to negotiate with Him instead. In what ways has God called you to follow the cloud this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below.