¹⁸ At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. ¹⁹ When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. ²⁰ Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. ²¹ Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. ²² Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted they would set out.      Numbers 9:18-22

Ahhhhhh!  I really do not like moving.  Nothing has gone right.  It didn’t all fit in the moving truck, we had to rent a trailer to haul behind our pickup truck.  We didn’t get going on time.  Snowstorm in the middle of Montana.  And in the middle of our drive, we learn that we aren’t allowed to move into our new house on the planned day.  Has anyone’s move ever gone according to plan?
This experience has definitely given me a new appreciation for what it must have been like for the children of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the desert.  I had 2 months to pack and plan.  For the Israelites, if the cloud lifted it was time to go.  What must that have been like for the women especially?  Granted, they probably had a lot less stuff than we do, but still, they were at the “whim” of God, with no prior knowledge of His plans.  Never knowing whether they’d be somewhere for only a few days or staying for a year.  Do we stay packed up?  Or really settle in?
Intellectually, I know God was teaching them to trust in Him, totally and completely.  They were relying on him for their food, water, and travel arrangements.  And trust is such a difficult thing.  They complained and argued.  They resented and wanted control of their “fate.”  We often read this section of scripture and think, “Why couldn’t they see God’s amazing power and love?  He had just delivered them from Egypt.  He could supply their every need.” 
Are we so different?  The most difficult part of this move for me has been when things haven’t gone according to my plan.  I’m not in control.  And that stresses me out.  In the ministry, we are particularly aware that our lives are in our Father’s hands.  That He is in control of His Kingdom and ministry.  Trust should be easier for us.  Our lives are particularly tied into the work of His hands and we know (intellectually) that He “works for the good of those who love Him.”  And yet I struggle to relax in His care.
We don’t have a pillar of fire or cloud to guide our move.  And Call committees are also sinful people with limited knowledge and wisdom.  But God is still in control.  He knows where we need to be, and when.  He knows the lives we will touch and where we can best serve.  I’m sure he even has a reason why we couldn’t move into our home yesterday.  If nothing else, maybe this was all to teach me patience, trust and to give me a mini-vacation at my in-laws as a rest.
Well I have to go (thanks for listening) but I think the cloud is moving.  It may mean that we don’t make it to Portland this week either.  It may mean that the truck with all our material belongings explodes tomorrow.  It may mean that we move into our home with ease and assistance on Thursday morning.  No matter what, following “the cloud” will in the end lead us to our heavenly home.  A home that has been prepared in advance, that is all ready and waiting.  No packing and unpacking required.

Ask The Lord
Lord, send your Holy Spirit to strengthen my faith.  Grant me peace and trust in the knowledge that you are in complete control.  Help me to remain calm and accept that your plans are better than mine.  And through it all give me eyes to see your grace and mercy in all things.  Amen