I love the section of Scripture in Exodus 14 where the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, representing the presence of God, stands in front of the Israelites as they march toward the Red Sea, and then when Pharaoh’s army comes, it stands between them and Pharaoh’s army. Even more so, I love later on in the story of Moses, when Moses is on the mountain and the presence of God is about to pass by, and God shields him in the cleft of the rock, almost engulfing him with His presence. I am just fascinated by that whole concept.

The presence of God is active and real today. In this last week of spending so much time on my back in hospital rooms and other places, there were times when I really sensed that God’s presence just engulfed the room. There was a sense of His glory, a sense of His protective hand in guidance and direction. It’s not mystical. It’s not wild. It’s not crazy. It is God’s presence. It comes with people who are sealed by His Spirit and are Christ followers.

God’s presence stands between us and our issues and problems. God’s presence stands with us as we need simply to understand the incredible wonder and glory of the God we serve.

Sometimes I wish I lived as an Israelite during the wanderings in the desert. Then I realize how difficult that would have been and quickly forget that idea. But I would really have liked to have been there when His presence came over the camp. What happened to the relationships? What happened to the people? What happened to the environment when God’s presence came over His people?

I’m praying that God’s presence will come over the ministry and work of American Missionary Fellowship.