Fire

Fire.

We read of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys being thrown into the fiery furnace, Moses and the burning bush, and Elijah calling down fire from heaven. Fire is powerful and all-consuming. It destroys and terrorizes, but according to science, it can also foster new growth and life.

As Christians, we like to use phrases such as “going through the fire” as a way to describe our struggles and trials. On the other hand, Hebrews 12:29 declares, “For our God is a consuming fire,” and Jeremiah 23:29 tells us, “Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”

When I put this puzzle together, I can only come to one conclusion: when we walk through the fiery trials of this life, we are literally walking with God. He does not abandon us in our struggles; rather, He is right in the middle of them with us. God does not excuse Himself when the going gets rough or when the battle is just too bloody. If He is a consuming fire, why would He not be in my fiery trial with me?

Too often we think of God as distant or too great to be bothered with our measly problems, but I believe it’s time that we alter the way we view the battle.

While doing some research I discovered that forest fires are a necessary and a natural part of the ecosystem. When a dead tree or plant burns down into ash, it transforms into nutrients for the soil. New life can grow in an area that was formerly dead. Weeds that once pushed out and overtook a native species are no longer an issue as there is a clean slate with room to grow.

When you walk through the fire hand-in-hand with God, you are allowing old, hindering things to die and making room for what is beneficial for your growth. One of the main reasons we fear our trials is the pain that is typically involved. Did you ever have growing pains as a child? I had them often, and we can also experience them spiritually as we progress and mature in our relationship with God.

To move forward, we must leave some things behind. Our past can act as a reminder of lessons learned, but the baggage involved cannot travel with us. Hurt, unforgiveness, and wounds that have not properly healed will only become stumbling blocks on your new path. We must allow certain things to die in order to achieve our maximum potential in Christ.

Will it be painful? Definitely. But I also ask you this today, in the grand scheme of things, will it be worth it? If your answer was yes, then you could rest today knowing that every tear and every cry is noticed and heard by the Father. Nothing in your story will be wasted, and you can trust Him with all of it.