Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 2
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. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
Exodus 13:21-22
God’s Hand of Protection
I was only six years old, but the memories remain vivid. Our windows were boarded up, making the house unusually dark. Water jugs were at the ready. I was huddled into a tiny, windowless bathroom with seven other people, listening to the winds whip around our island home. I remember suddenly feeling wet and realizing that water was seeping in under the door.
We sang hymns as the worst of Hurricane Luis pummeled our house. My adult mind now connects this to Paul and Silas singing in the depths of their prison cell in Philippi. Suddenly, my dad pressed pillows and couch cushions on top of our heads. The galvanized roof over the bathroom bounced, letting in snippets of light.
When the category four winds finally began to die down, we stepped out and, in shock, realized much of our roof was gone—except over the bathroom we had occupied. I remember my mom saying that an angel had held down the roof for us.
This image comes to mind when I think of the exodus. The Israelites had just witnessed the plagues devastate Egypt, painted blood on their doorposts, and departed, leaving behind the land of their enslavement. I imagine joy, disbelief, and an unnerving sense of “What now?”
God had already done so much, and in love he went further: he made his presence visible, leading his people by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The relief! God is here. He is not just rescuing; he is guiding.
Sometimes, the relief of God’s guiding and rescuing can be fleeting—like the eye of a hurricane. A Scripture reading or worship song brings peace beyond all understanding. A friend offers sound, godly counsel. But then the winds of worry or despair quickly return, and our peace turns into a cry: “God, where are you?”
As the Israelites camped by the Red Sea, Pharaoh pursued them. Terror rose in the camp as his chariots closed in. How often do we echo that cry: “Is this deliverance, Lord? Where are you?” We expect perfect peace in this world and forget that God’s peace is found in Christ and his promises, even in storms. My bouncing roof during Hurricane Luis was God’s hand of protection—even if it didn’t feel like it at the moment.
We know the end of the story. God placed his pillar of cloud behind the Israelites, standing between them and Pharaoh’s army, granting them time to witness the sea part and to rejoice on the other side. In the same way, God placed his Son on the cross, standing between us and sin, death, and the devil. He grants us undeserved victory through faith and confidence of eternal celebration at his side. We are no longer slaves; we are redeemed.
God is always at work for our good, whether we see it or not. His presence goes before, behind, and alongside us. The God who commands armies of angels is always by our side.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for guiding and protecting us even when we cannot see your hand at work. Strengthen our faith to trust in the saving work of your Son and the light of your Word. Grant us confidence in the redemption you have won for us. Keep us mindful of your presence, and walk with us through every storm. Amen.
Written by Elise Gross
