CONSUMING FIRE!
I wonder how hot your coffee is this morning as you’re about to drink it? If you are like me, sometimes I’m so excited to get my 1st cup, that I sip it not realizing how hot it is at the moment. Does that happen to you some mornings?
Today, I want to ponder with you in a reflection about how God can use a “consuming fire” within our lives to bring about GOOD for us, as well as GROWTH for us!
My use of the words “consuming fire” is for those times when we are in a situation or circumstance when we are suffering! It is those times in our life, like mine currently, when we have no answers as to why we are suffering, whether it is a loss job, a car accident, a death of a family member, or a major health crisis that has the real potential to crumble us, to derail us, to draw us down the rabbit hole of darkness where we begin living in anger, discouragement and despair.
Yeah, I know Pastor Jerry is going off the deep end again and YES, I believe we need to! You see, as Christians, we have a CHOICE when these “consuming fire” moments occur: will we, regardless of the pain, of the suffering, or the lack of understanding, still choose to believe and trust in Jesus?
WHY? SO WE UNDERSTAND GOD IS AT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES, FOR HIS GLORY AND OUR GOOD, WHEN BAD THINGS OCCUR— IF we embrace the FIRE!
YES, I can now speak of this differently than at any time of my life! What I am sharing is indeed from my own experience and my journey in dealing with my brain cancer. The theology, the doctrine of what I desire to share is good for knowledge, however, it is my own raw emotions and experience that I hope and pray the Holy Spirit moves off this page and into your heart, your mind, your soul…especially for those who may be suffering themselves right now.
Scripture Reference:
Hebrews 12:29: “For our God is a consuming fire!”
Deuteronomy 4:24– “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
PAUSE: It is significant for us to HEAR that Scripture describes a “consuming fire” as a powerful symbol of God’s holiness, a transformative nature, and it is due to His activity and presence in our life!
These verses illustrate the concept of God’s holiness, power, and divine intervention as it relates to our suffering and Heavenly growth ,
as we embrace HIS refining fire!
SLOW DOWN and READ THE ABOVE AGAIN! Did you hear that HE allows or brings “consuming fire” in our lives? Do you struggle with this truth? If you are like me and being honest, then the answer is YES. I struggle with this truth! Naturally, I do not enjoy consuming fire experiences. In fact, probably like you, there are times I desire or want to try to flee from them!
There are still days now, when I try to flee from the consuming fire of my brain cancer! Guess what? I cannot flee from that which HE has permitted to use for HIS glory! I do not understand still, why now? HE and I talk about it some days. Well, I ask HIM about it occasionally, but guess what—HE is quiet and I then hear that small wind blowing…Jerry are you willing just to trust in ME?
Are you a Child of God? If so, are you willing to let HIM be GOD in your life, regardless of your circumstances or problems or your consuming fire suffering experiences? Here we go again. You and I have a profound choice to make—-AM I WILLING TO TRUST HIM?
“Spiritual Benefits of Consuming Fire:
Cleansing : Fire symbolizes purification in many spiritual traditions. It burns away impurities, much like how trials in life can lead to spiritual growth and clarity.
Transformation: Just as things are transformed by fire, our experiences—whether trials or blessings—can lead to profound changes in our character and faith. Fire encourages us to evolve and embrace new beginnings.
Passion: Fire represents passion for our beliefs. It ignites a fervor within us, motivating us to pursue our spiritual goals and serve our communities with enthusiasm.
Guidance: Fire offers light in the darkness, symbolizing guidance and revelation. It represents the presence of the Divine, illuminating our path and helping us navigate life’s challenges.
Community / Unity: Fire gatherings, such as bonfires or candlelight vigils, strengthen our community bonds. They create a space for shared experiences, fostering harmony and connection among individuals.
UNDERSTAND SPIRITUALLY:
“Fire carries both destructive and transformative power. “ As HIS children, are we willing to say, “Lord, not as I desire, but YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
PONDER THIS TRUTH:
Fire has a dual nature—destructive yet purifying. In our lives, we may experience trials that feel like an all-consuming fire, testing our faith and resilience. These moments can be painful, stripping away our comforts and revealing what truly matters. Just as fire refines gold, God’s fire can transform us, fostering growth in character and faith.
Brothers and Sisters, when your life seems engulfed in flames, remember that God is PRESENT in the midst of the blaze. He doesn’t abandon us but walks with us through our struggles.
May we be willing to hear, to receive, to accept, and choose to say, Heavenly Father, “I AM ALL IN, and THANK YOU FOR MY SUFFERING!
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, in the moments when I feel consumed by the fires of life, help me to see your presence amid the flames. Purify my heart and strengthen my spirit, so I may rise stronger and more attuned to Your will. Amen.”
