fire

Written by Matt Lange

Read Job 42 and Revelation 21

And He that was seated on the throne said, “Behold I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5

(During the writing of this devotion, I learned of the fire at Mill Creek. Remember to pray for all involved as they look to their future.)

As it is with a wildfire that ravages the forest, our lives are changed by tragedy. Fire destroys the very nature of things as it consumes whatever is in its path. The more it consumes, the hotter it gets and the more it destroys. Yet after the fire has gone out, a change takes place in the forest, prairie, mountain ridge or in our own lives. Life begins anew! In nature, the black char gives way to green life sprouting from the pit of death. Life grows stronger and healthier than it was prior to destruction, often growing something new that wasn't there before.

I think of these verses Galatians 2:20... I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live... Romans 6:23... For the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life. Matthew 8:34 / Luke 9:23... If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself...

These verses talk about death. The simple fact is we are a selfish people, thinking we know best what our lives need. The hard fact is, we don't! So in order for us to realize certain matters of our heart, we must deny (put to death) ourselves. Some of you might be hearing that we are put through hard times because of sin in our lives... I don't believe that to typically be true for a Believer. We go through many hard things so the Lord can teach us what we need to know about ourselves and about Himself. Only then can we grow. I also believe not everything difficult thing happens for a specific reason--though that difficult thing can result in a specific blessing,

I’ve realized in my life, through the "wildfire," comes a better understanding of what God would have for me. (Sometimes that understanding comes through the help of another’s eyes.)  But when we seek out the truth, He will show it to us. Our first step in understanding God’s purposes, is the denial, the death of ourselves. Only then can we see truth, and grow afresh.

From my own life experiences I have learned there are many seasons in our lives; some easier than others.

It becomes all worth it as we press on toward the prize before us.