God’s leading is not an event, it is a relationship. This passage elucidates the truth about who God is and who we are. He knows what may happen and the inclinations of our minds. He accounts for such things in his will and grace. Beyond this, he doesn’t merely clear the way for us or expect us to operate beyond our first emotional capacity. God knew that the journey would be too difficult for were his newly formed nation to travel through Philistine territory. They were simply not mature enough to not return to their previous lives, and even if that life was demonstrably worse. And so he led them a different way. This way was easier emotionally, in terms of cognitive dissonance, but required more of them physically. Beyond this, he made himself a symbol that provided for them along the journey to help them with their immaturity and also provide physically. He was fire by night, to be seen and for warmth, and cloud by day, to be seen and for protection. As we mature in our relationship with God, we ought to learn to see that he rarely clears the path for us. We also ought to see that the paths he chooses are often not what we would choose. But we must also learn to accept that they are best, and that he is always there in them. He will never leave us, nor forsake us, and he does know what is best for us.