Devotional by Shaquia Reed, 2018 graduate of Tower of Hope Academy
The Israelites had just come out of Egypt—a long, harsh season of trauma. Their minds and emotions were scattered. They were disheveled, displaced, and disoriented. They didn’t yet understand all that had been taken from them in bondage, nor did they fully know where they were going.
And so, the very first thing the Lord wanted to teach them was how to follow Him. How to move when and how He moves.
Why?
Because healing begins with following. It begins with stillness when the cloud hovers and obedience when the cloud lifts.
Four Reasons God Leads This Way:
- To remove fear
(impulses, anxieties, codependency) - To remove pride
(disobedience, deception, idols) - To help you regain your strength
(your fight and your faith) - To lead you into the Promised Land
(His purpose for your life)
This is why, at the beginning of our program’s Healing Journey, we encourage participants not to make major decisions or commitments. It’s also why we have culture codes like:
“Stay behind the Ark” and “I know nothing”
We wait. We listen. We obey.
While the Cloud is Over the Camp…
You’re not idle—you’re still.
You’re not stuck—you’re strengthening.
You’re not delaying—you’re doing your duty before the Lord.
Avoid the urge to busy yourself with distractions that stir up fear, pride, or weariness. These things will only keep you from the healing and promise God has prepared for you.
Your Daily Duties:
- Pause & Reflect
- Overcome with Affirmations & Declarations
- Write Daily
- Exercise
- Read to Be Inspired
- Show up for Prayer Calls & Cells
- Complete Your Modules
- Phase 2—H4L: Continue to SERVE & HEAL
Remember: this was God’s regular pattern with His people. This was His habit.
A Prayer:
Father, You know the way I should go and everything it takes to get there. You know when I should wait and when I should move. Rid me of fear, pride, and weakness, and lead me into Your Promised Land. Help me do my duty as I wait before You—and when You move, I’ll move. In Jesus’ name, Amen.