Before

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

It is probably safe to say that no one likes uncertainty. We frequently encounter moments that require us to step into the unknown, and beginning a new year is no exception. A new job, a move to a different city, relationship, financial, or health challenges, or simply a new stage of life—our initial reaction is often fear. Fear whispers to us, reminding us of past failures, uncertainties, and all the potential pitfalls and hardships. In those moments, when the weight of anxiety and fear can feel almost unbearable, we are reminded that the Creator of the universe isn’t just a casual observer but the one who goes before us.

As the Israelites departed Egyptian slavery, God was making himself known to a people who only knew Him through stories and traditions. They had seen God’s work through Moses in miracles and plagues but knew little of the covenant God who spoke blessings over Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then God made this promise to them: “I will go before you in a pillar of cloud by day to lead you on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give you light, that they might travel by day and by night.” (Exodus 13:21). God wasn’t just leading them, but He was fulfilling the very promises He had made to Abraham: “I will establish my covenant with you and your descendants after you, I will always be your God and the God of your descendants, and I will give the entire land of Canaan as their possession forever, and I will be their God.” He still goes before you, clearing obstacles and fulfilling all His promises.

In John 10:3–4, Jesus uses the image of a shepherd, describing Himself as the Good Shepherd, the one who goes before His sheep. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out and goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” A shepherd's role is to guide and protect their flock, leading them to food and water while shielding them from danger. The flock doesn’t need to figure out where to go—they simply follow His voice. Jesus was reflecting his Heavenly Father: “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” God leads us, and to lead, He must go before. If we are following the Lord, whatever challenge we face, God has already been there and prepared the way.

Our Heavenly Father wants to be an active participant in our lives, reassuring us that we are to always lean into Him for support, direction, and strength. Before we even recognize the challenge, God has already been there, preparing the way and laying the foundations necessary for our success. More than just clearing the path, he is creating opportunities, aligning circumstances, and orchestrating events so that when we arrive at our appointed time, we find pathways in the wilderness and streams in the desert, rough places made smooth, and crooked ways made straight (Isaiah 43:19, Isaiah 45:2, Isaiah 40:4). God is already in your tomorrow, so you can trust him and have hope for today.

The world is filled with disappointments; friends may fail us, opportunities may be lost, and we may stumble ourselves, but God is forever faithful, steadfast, and His promises endure. We are called to reject fear and disappointment, embracing the peace that comes from knowing God goes ahead of us, walks alongside us, and will never forsake us.

God goes before us, Jesus stands with us, and the Holy Spirit is within us. There is nothing to fear.

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

Isaiah 45:2-3 NASB I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, So that you may know that it is I, The Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 43:19 NIV See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Exodus 13:21 NASB The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.

Deuteronomy 1:30 NLT The Lord your God is going ahead of you and He will fight for you.

2 Samuel 5:23-24 NASB When David inquired of the Lord, He said, You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

Isaiah 52:12 NLT For the Lord will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.

Psalms 77:19-20 NIV Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalms 136:16 NIV To him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever.

Psalms 139:4-10 NIV Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Isaiah 41:10 NASB Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. 

Isaiah 41:13 NASB For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 NASB For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

Exodus 33:14 NASB And the Lord said, My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.