A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, October 26, 2025
Exodus 13:21 — “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.”
Hey friends, the fire that led Israel was not one of destruction but direction. It wasn’t a punishment — it was a promise. The same God who brought them out of Egypt would lead them through the wilderness.
And Israel’s journey began with freedom but quickly turned into frustration. What should have been an eleven-day trip took forty years. The wilderness was their refining place — where God revealed His faithfulness and exposed their hearts.
And friends, freedom doesn’t mean comfort. Sometimes, it means learning to follow when the path isn’t easy.
But when the people grew weary, they grumbled, doubted, and even longed to return to Egypt. Return to slavery! But through every complaint, God stayed patient. He provided manna for their hunger, water from a rock, and fire to light their nights. The pillar of fire never left them — a symbol that His presence doesn’t depend on our perfection. A symbol that He never leaves us or forsakes us.
Though an entire generation passed in the wilderness, God’s promise never failed. He raised up Joshua to lead them into the land flowing with milk and honey. And the same fire that led them by night never burned them — it guided them. The wilderness was their classroom of faith.
And friends let’s look at the takeaways!
• God’s guidance often comes one step at a time.
• His presence doesn’t depend on our performance.
• What looks like delay is often preparation for promise.
Friends, how has God guided you in your wilderness seasons? What fire — what presence — has reminded you that He’s still leading you? Are you looking for the little things He is doing in your life? Are you looking for the manna from heaven of His provision?
Now friends, when you can’t see the road ahead, trust the fire that goes before you. He will lead you and guide you as you travel the difficult roads! He doesn’t let the fires consume you, He uses them to refine you! Maybe you’re in the fires today, maybe you’re feeling like you’re in a desert and you are wandering wondering when you will land in the promised place He showed you! Friends, trust in the one who knows and can lead you! May He show Himself as you humble yourself to His plans and His timing! And remember friends, you are so loved!! Live Loved!
About the author
Tracy Kelley is a follower of Jesus, mother, grandmother, author and speaker, living in Sulphur Springs, TX. She is the author of the book Living Loved, Learning to Live in the Fullness of Gods Love, where she shares encouragement from her daily journey and how God has shown His love to her through various trials. You can buy her book, find events, book her for your event, and follow her by going to her Facebook page, where you will always be greeted as friend! You can purchase her book at Good News Book Store in Sulphur Springs, TX; online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and most other major retailers.
