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經文：「雲彩...停留...以色列人...不起行。」（民9:19） 「不起行」比「起行」更難順服；為甚麼？因為人的天性都是傾向行動；無論是拆帳棚或者探新路；當雲彩緩緩升起，威風凜凜地在他們前方引領，真是多麼威武！一路上充滿興奮與美景，又是多麼有趣！可是每當雲彩停駐的時候，他們還是只能不起行。 那時，無論雲彩停駐的的地方多麼不堪與炎熱；他們的感覺多麼的不適與煩躁；停佇的地方多麼的危險與荒涼；他們都沒有選擇的權利，就是只能耐性等候。 大衛說：「我曾耐性等候耶和華。祂垂聽我的呼求。」（詩40:1）；大衛得蒙神的「垂聽」，是因為「曾耐性等候」。而神曾經怎樣對待舊約時代的信徒，也會照樣對待新約時代的我們。 確實，神常常樂意讓我們等候。當我們面對面地遇見可怕的仇敵，在驚恐與危險之時，我們會求問說：「神阿，我們可不可以離遠一點？現在不是該拆帳棚起行的時候？我們豈不是已受盡痛苦和失敗？可不可以暫時逃避一會炎熱，前往青草地和可安歇的水邊休息一下？」 仍是沒有回音！雲彩既然停留，我們也只能停在那裡；但是無論如何，路上依然是有嗎哪、活水、保護、安慰。因為神從來不會只讓我們停留，卻不賜下祂的同在和所需的供應。 親愛的讀者，請不要急躁前衝，應當要耐性等候。要停留在你原來的位置，直到雲彩清清楚楚地向上收去。因為這是你的主所喜悅！而祂絕不會使你「太遲」的！--譯自日誠報 Daily Devotional Commentary 新譯｜荒漠甘泉讀書會
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Scripture: "When the cloud tarried . . . then the children of Israel . . . journeyed not" (Num. 9:19). This was the supreme test of obedience. It was comparatively easy to strike tents, when the fleecy folds of the cloud were slowly gathering from off the Tabernacle, and it floated majestically before the host. Change is always delightful; and there was excitement and interest in the route, the scenery, and the locality of the next halting-place. But, ah, the tarrying. Then, however uninviting and sultry the location, however trying to flesh and blood, however irksome to the impatient disposition, however perilously exposed to danger--there was no option but to remain encamped. The Psalmist says, "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry." And what He did for the Old Testament saints He will do for believers throughout all ages. Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters? There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies. Wait, young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord's good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!--Daily Devotional Commentary ｜ Mrs. Charles Cowman
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