WILD FIRES

 As I was praying about the devastation in California, Colorado, and Oregon, I was also repenting to the Lord for the things we may have done to precipitate these wildfires, and for the destruction of so much of the beauty of His creation.  My heart was heavy for  those who lost everything they owned (including family treasures) barely making it out; for those who did not make it out alive; and for the protection of the firefighters risking their lives to battle these monstrous fires.  I also thought about all the animals in a panic to escape as their habitat (homes) were being totally destroyed by this fire.

What I saw looked like total destruction.  As I thought about the devastation, the Holy Spirit quietly spoke saying, “Remember, fire also purifies.”  (Numbers 31:23; 1 Corinthians 3:13) This reminded me of a wildfire  from many years ago where 230 square miles of forest that covered Mount St. Helens  was completely charred & decimated (or so it seemed) with all forms of life  wiped out in minutes.  During the winter, however, God was at work under the cover of snow.  When Spring came, new life began to spring forth like a phoenix from the ashes, and wildlife began to return.  In other words, that same forest that looked totally destroyed was actually being renewed, refreshed, revived.

APPLICATION:

Hebrews 12:11(ESV)  For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.”

Sometimes, we allow things to attach to us and take up residence in our hearts/spirits  that do not please Him including unforgiveness, disobedience, rebellion, jealousy, pride, lying, complacency, etc.   At first those things may seem harmless, but like yeast being kneaded in dough which eventually works it’s way throughout the entire “lump of dough”, they begin to spread & permeate throughout the mind, body, and spirit affecting our intimacy with the Lord just like yeast in the dough.   It may take a little “fire”  in our lives and circumstances for the Lord to get our attention in order for Him to  “redeem” us.  Consider Hebrews 12:5-6 (NKJV) which reads “And have you forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as sons:  “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every  son whom He receives” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?  But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.”  The “fire” He allows in our lives is meant to purify us, never to destroy even though it might feel that way during that process, but trust the process.  When we go through it correctly enduring His process, in due time it becomes evident that He is doing a new thing inside of us that will manifest in our lives.  His work is always an “inside job” which will manifest outwardly. Endure the process while trusting that He is “burning off” hindrances and  purifying, all the while bringing forth new life.

Blessings.

~CWP~

(An Earlier Post)