Devotionals for the Heart: How to follow God's lead and trust Him

Following God’s Lead and Trusting His Timing
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“At the command of the Lord the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.”—Numbers 9:18 (ESV)

The Israelites had an extraordinary guide in their wilderness journey: the visible presence of God in a cloud by day and fire by night.

Whenever the cloud lifted, they moved. Whenever it settled, they stayed. There was no set schedule or predictable pattern. Sometimes, they camped for a night; other times, they stayed for months. Their movement was entirely dictated by God’s command.

How often have you wished for tangible, divine leadership in your decision making? I often wrestle with the difference between calls and opportunities. I see calls as direct summons from God to do something specific or to go somewhere definitive. Opportunities are good ideas and possibilities for success.

This passage speaks profoundly to our own walk with God. Like the Israelites, we often desire a predictable roadmap, a five-year plan, or at least a clear next step. But God calls us to trust Him with our timing. The challenge is not just in moving when He says “go” but also in waiting when He says “stay.”

The Israelites did not wander aimlessly and neither should we. Their movement was determined by the presence of God. Likewise, our direction should come from Him. The world offers countless methods for decision-making—logic, emotions, advice from others—but ultimately, it is God’s presence and His Word that should guide us. His Spirit speaks through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel.

The passage in Numbers illustrates an important truth: God’s timing is not always predictable or convenient. Often, we are eager for the next phase of life. A new job, a relationship, or a resolution to a challenge may beckon. But God, in His infinite wisdom, sometimes asks us to wait. Other times, He moves us suddenly, requiring us to step out in faith without having all the details. Trusting His timing is everything, especially when we are eager or reticent.

Faith is not just about waiting; it’s also about obedience when God calls us to step forward. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites didn’t hesitate or question whether they were ready—they simply obeyed.

Delayed obedience is often a form of disobedience. If God is calling us to something—whether to serve, to give, to forgive, or to step into an unfamiliar place—our response should be immediate trust. Just as the Israelites moved at God’s command, we are called to step forward in faith when He leads us. But what about when delays persist and we are required to wait?

Some seasons of life feel stagnant, as if we are stuck in one place, longing for movement. The Israelites had times when they camped for long periods. In those periods, God was shaping them, teaching them to depend on Him. Likewise, our waiting seasons are opportunities for growth, deeper intimacy with God, and preparation for what’s ahead. The task in waiting is to learn what God wants us to master while we wait.

There are four practical lessons we can draw from this devotional passage:

Lesson #1: As did the Israelites, we must be aware of God’s presence in our lives.

Lesson #2: We must learn to trust His timing.

Lesson #3: When He moves, we must also because delayed obedience is disobedience.

Lesson #4: The waiting room is not designed to frustrate us but to prepare us for God’s next movements in our lives.

God’s plan is always best, and His timing is always perfect. Whether He leads us into movement or stillness, let us follow Him wholeheartedly.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your perfect guidance. Help us to trust in your timing, whether You are calling us to move forward or to wait. Give us faith to obey immediately when You lead and patience when You ask us to be still. May we always be sensitive to Your presence and find peace in knowing that You are in control.

In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Trust and Obey” with lyrics written by John H. Sammis and sung by The Vagle Brothers. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson is the Director Emeritus of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division. In this role, he was the friend, advocate and gatekeeper for the profession of chaplaincy among Adventist pastors. 

His new mission is to specialize in personal and personnel development coaching. He journeys with and guides clients, personal and corporate, as they define their goals and grow into their full potential.

His pastoral career began in the Allegheny East Conference where he was ordained.

Subsequently, he served in the Potomac Conference at the Sligo and Seabrook churches. His professional dream was to be a chaplain in the United States Navy. He got to live that dream and achieved the rank of Commander before retiring from Naval service in 2015 with 26 years of service.

Chaplain Anderson has earned four graduate degrees: He earned his Master of Divinity Degree was earned at the seminary at Andrews University. He earned a Master’s of Education from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Sacred Theology from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington D.C.

Chaplain Anderson and his wife Debra have been married for 41 years. They have two healthy, saved and well-adjusted adult children who picked good spouses and delivered four grandchildren.

Adventures through traveling, reading, praying, preaching, teaching and writing are the avenues of ministry and self-care that define his now and his destiny.

You may connect with Chaplain Anderson via email at this address: psanderson75@gmail.com.