Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire: God With Us in Trials

The Bible records that God, in the form of a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire, accompanied the people of Israel on their journey to Canaan (Nehemiah 9:19). Remarkably, that journey lasted 40 years, accompanied by various challenges, both from outsiders and from among themselves.

Lately, the people of the world have also been on an uncertain journey whose end we do not know. The spread of the coronavirus has brought us many challenges in various areas of life. Since this pandemic was announced in March 2020, the Indonesian government has established various policies, ranging from Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) to the provisions of the new normal (a new order for adapting to COVID-19).

As Christians, how should we respond to the new normal when conditions are still unsafe?

 

How God Protects Through the Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire 

Even though the pandemic is still here and the graph of positive cases keeps rising, many of us still have to leave home to work. Inevitably, the fear of catching the virus haunts us. Moreover, during the journey and at the workplace, there are always people who do not obey health protocol rules, such as not wearing masks and not keeping their distance.

These difficult times are an opportunity for us to train our faith. If other people lack awareness in following health protocols, let us remind them politely. However, if they are stubborn, we should make an extra effort to protect ourselves. As God's children, we must not be ruled by fear, and instead must continue living in an orderly way.

For God has given us not a spirit of fear, but a spirit that brings power, love, and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

On the journey to the land of Canaan, the people of Israel had to march into battle, be pursued by enemies, run out of drinking water, quarrel, and more. Yet God was present and protected them in every one of those challenges. By day, the pillar of cloud protected them from the scorching sun. By night, the pillar of fire warmed their bodies against the cold desert wind. Its light also illuminated the way so that they would not stumble or fall.

The LORD went before them, by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them on the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people. –Exodus 13:21-22

God's pillar of cloud and pillar of fire also accompany us in this pandemic, which makes us feel as though we are in a wilderness: our health, safety, and finances are at stake. It is true that it is not safe out there, but we do not have many choices. We have to go out to work so that we can provide for our families. Yet by being confident of God's presence with us, our hearts will be more at peace.

Entrust our lives to His presence with us. Remember His pillar of cloud and pillar of fire in the midst of the wilderness of our lives today. Rather than spending energy worrying, it is better to use that same energy to pray and ask for God's protection.

How God Guides 

When the people of Israel crossed the wilderness at night, God's pillar of fire lit and guided the path they had to take. The darkness could not overpower or paralyze their activity. So, what about us today?

Living in the midst of a pandemic is like crossing a dark wilderness. PSBB is relaxed, then tightened again. The implementation of the new normal is still uncertain in a number of red zones (areas with a high risk of transmission). Pros and cons continue to roll on. It seems there is no ideal policy in this situation. What is certain is that the government has considered various aspects so that the wheels of the economy can move again, while still prioritizing public health. 

As Christians, we should not make the situation worse with unnecessary protests or arguments. Nor should we despair and keep complaining. Grumbling was a bad habit of the people of Israel that made God angry and brought His punishment on them (Numbers 14:29). We should learn from that mistake. Even though the situation is not easy, avoid grumbling, because it will only make things harder for ourselves.

Brothers and sisters, do not grumble and blame one another, so that you may not be judged. – James 5:9a

Instead, pray, asking God for guidance and wisdom so that we can get through this situation well. If this pandemic is a trial, know that God promises to provide a way out.

When you are being tested, He will provide you with a way out, so that you can endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13b

God led the people of Israel along a long route because He had His own purpose and plan. He surely also has a purpose and plan to fulfill through this pandemic. Do not only pray for the pandemic to end soon, but also pray that His will be done. Learn from the attitude of the Lord Jesus, who was willing to go through an unfavorable situation, as long as His Father's will was still carried out.

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Then He went away a second time and prayed, saying: “My Father, if this cup cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done!” – Matthew 26:42

The COVID-19 pandemic shows just how powerless human beings are, even against an invisible microscopic creature. So, keep doing all that we can, and put God's will first. Perhaps He wants to train us to become people who are more faithful, resilient, and to be the light and salt of the world. We can achieve all of that if we continue to live under His guidance. 

If in the past God protected and accompanied the people of Israel through the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire, the same God still protects us today. Simply do our part, and for the rest, surrender ourselves to God's protection and guidance. Let His will be done. Amen!

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References:
tirto.id/arti-new-normal-indonesia-tatanan-baru-beradaptasi-dengan-covid-19-fDB3

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