How incredible that a cloud by day and fire by night guided 600,000 men, plus women and children, about 2 ½ million, as they trudged from Egypt to the promised land of Canaan. Imagine children asking, 'What do they mean, Father, with these happenings over forty years.

They were no ordinary cloud or fire. The cloud appeared as a standing column or platform, while the fire was a flame of light, clear enough for all to see. Like the burning bush which appeared when God spoke with Moses, it burned without fizzling out.

They picture the Son of God leading us in our daily affairs. The cloud represents the Lord Jesus Christ as the platform of our trust. The fire at night gave light and direction. The moving cloud and fire signalled the children of Israel to strike camp and move.

All Scripture speaks of our Lord Jesus, so we confidently affirm with the psalmist, 'Your word is a lamp unto our feet, and a Light to our path.' (Psalm 119:105)
The scriptures guide and teach us how to live and behave, and reveals the dear Saviour as the Light of the world.

Light was the first \creative act. The final book, the Revelation, closes with a picture of heaven, 'No night, candle or sun for the Lord gives light'. (Rev 22:5)

Between these two verses, sin's darkness and man's rebellion unfold with the Saviour's coming. He claimed, 'I AM the light of the world. He that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.' His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection guided us to salvation, with freedom from the guilt and power of sin and one day totally from its presence.

Salvation includes all that the Scripture promises in the Lord Jesus, including daily guidance, just like Israel with the cloud and fire. Although we are not guided today by this means, the Holy Spirit gives light to our feet and guidance for our path.

Let me share one of life's exciting highlights. Years ago, on a Friday night, our chairman of Christian Women's Convention phoned, 'Please consider launching the Know Your bible course in South Australia! I hesitated, daunted by the immense task. 'Yes, I know', she replied. 'Pray about it over the weekend. I will call again on Monday night; we will announce it at the Central convention next weekend.'

With little time for reflection, I urgently needed a spiritual cloud and fire to guide. My husband was interstate at a church camp, so alone I sought an answer. I prayed simply, 'Lord, please guide me into your will. Motivating ladies to bible study, training leaders, visiting country areas, etc was an immense task. I could do it only with your help.'

The invitation excited me, so I sought confirmation or restraint. Refusing to fossick for an apt verse, I continued with my reading of Hebrews. Light appeared, 'When for the time you ought to be teachers, you need one teach you again. For everyone who uses milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to those who are mature, those who by reason of its use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.' (Hebrews 5:12-14)

The clear purpose of the Know Your Bible studies was to teach, so that women could grow and mature in spiritual understanding and discernment.
Later, I read Paul's letter to Timothy, 'The things you have heard from me… you commit to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)
'Men' generically is men and women, confirming the challenge to teach women.

After our Sunday morning service, a friend asked, 'Why don't you teach women to lead study groups? I smiled, 'Please pray for me.' That remark was 'a cloud by day.' Later I owned that God guided through her comment.

By now, God's leadership was clear, although I always talk and pray over major decisions with my husband. Again I prayed, 'Let Harrold discuss KYB on his return Monday morning,' an unlikely request for my husband knew noting about KYB. Yet, the Lord is light, and noting is impossible with him.

Monday morning, I met Harrold at the airport, gathered his case and walked to our car. Casually, he commented, 'Had a wonderful time over the week end, where the ladies were rejoicing over their KYB class, and how they enjoy their studies. 'Gwenda, you ought to get involved with this work.' I almost shouted with joy, explaining the events of the weekend, and feeling deep peace over such a decision.

Marie was delighted when I responded with 'Yes, I'm overjoyed to the executive's invitation.' Eight years and 200 groups later, having enjoyed the incredible privilege and blessing of 2000 women studying the scriptures, the heavenly cloud and fire guided me to step down, releasing the work to another who capably steered KYB through another era in our state.

From Stewart Dinnen's suggested steps on finding God's guidance, I had used;
Confirmation from the Scriptures. Weighed the circumstances.
Sought the wisdom of wise counsellors. Worked to established Christian principles.
Watched for the Spirit's equipment. Assured of the Holy Spirit's peace and witness.

Yes, God's cloud and fire were safety provisions guiding the children of Israel to their Promised Land. Our Lord Jesus Christ will lead, guide and carry us safely to heaven our promised land.