The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 22 April 2026 – God’s Ever Abiding Presence
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TOPIC: God’s Ever Abiding Presence
READ: Exodus 13:17-22
17 Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
18 So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt.
19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely [a]visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.”
20 So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness.
21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.
22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.
THE MESSAGE:
In our text, the Lord led the Israelites through a distant route in the journey to the Promised Land even when there were available shorter routes. The Lord had a purpose in mind – He intended to prepare them for battle so that they would not run away when they saw war. Remember that the Promised Land (i. e. Canaan), was an occupied territory. The Israelites needed to be battle-ready in order to dislodge the occupants of the land of Canaan. More so, as they had been slaves for such a long time, they might run back to Egypt if challenged by war on their way. The angel of God went before them as a Pillar of Cloud during the day, to shield them from the desert heat; and a Pillar of Fire at night, to lighten their way. This enabled them to travel comfortably under shade at day and with light at night.
The marvellous and complete protection and provision of God for us is sure as we journey in this life trusting Him as our God. The Psalmist says, ‘God is our refuge and strength, and very present help in trouble.’ He assures us of His care and ever abiding presence with us, to make a way and deliver us in all storms of life.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father; I trust in You to shield me from all adversities of life, Amen.
