So often we say we want God to lead us, to show us His will; then we only want to be lead by still waters or to be led by the pillar of a soft billowy cloud through brightly lit days.
We want to see the end clearly. What about when He leads by a pillar of fire through the darkness? Do we trust Him and follow no matter what the storms that surround us? 
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If we look at the scriptures we must realize that God leads us through the dark nights of our lives as well, sometimes as the pillar of fire before us.
Exodus 13: 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Too often we become complacent where we are and resist His desire to move us to a future unknown to us; but clearly known by God. The comfort of the nest in which we are resting, the familiarity of all that surrounds us; causes us to want to stay where we are. In those moments He must stir up our nest
so that we are willing to be carried to where ever He desires us to go.
Deuteronomy 32: 9 For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.
11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
12 So the Lord alone did lead him.
At the age of 58 life would be simple to sit still in the little nest I was sitting in; yet, as you all know God has told me go. He has step by step over the last year and a half prepared my heart for such a move. It began with a restlessness in my heart that I did not understand until He revealed His plan for me to move to Missouri. Do I know all of what He has planned for me there? Not really; but I know it is a wondrous plan because He is the one leading. Has He used storms, dark nights, and trials to prepare me? Certainly, because He needed me to be ready for this move and He needed me to focus on only Him who would lead me. Are there still mountains before me? Yes; yet, I am amazed each and every day at how He is preparing the way and leveling those mountains. What are the steps we must take when trials create a restless heart within us?
1. Ask God to show us His plan in the midst of the darkness and restlessness of our hearts?
2. Study His word for there it is that He will reveal Himself and His plan.
3. Trust Him, no matter what.
4. As He leads you, there are moments when fasting prayer helps you to gain the focus and clarity needed as your faith grows to see Him move those mountains one by one.
5. Remember always, that it is He who bears you up on His mighty wings so that you may soar.
6. He guides you as His Beloved Apple of His EYE
Question: Is your heart restless today? Are you seeking to know His will? Are you focused on Him?
I heard this song yesterday and thought it perfect for you today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFmSzL2ppvg
© 2013 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”