... fire

Fire does not have a pleasant connotation meaning.  Smolder, burn, rage, fury, heat, destroyed or wrath can come to mind. But what about refine, re-growth, develop, and  purify?

This summer I am beyond blessed being able to work for the Forest Service. I get to hike, camp, snorkel and enjoy campfires. The biggest surprise that I have learned so far is observing the positive impact that fire has on the forest. I am not talking about the initial state after a burn when floods are cautioned for the next couple of years because of lack of vegetation; I am talking about longevity.  The forest recovers and adapts and even grows back stronger and denser. It is amazing how cones burn and release their seeds after the fire. There is growth in the ashes. The forest is refined by fire. Our hearts are refined by fire, too.

John 16:33, Jesus gives full warning that we will have trouble in this world but to take heart because he has overcome the world. How does this relate to fire?  Trials are our fires and we are refined when we choose to overcome the ashes of our past. The Refiner’s Fire poem is one of my favorite poems to read randomly because it gives me the picture of what purification means. I believe it is not by the lack of baggage you have but by how long you choose to remain in the fire and deal with all your “crap.” The longer you remain in the fire, the brighter you will burn (become more free) but the deeper God will ask you to go into your own heart. The best thing about being refined is that it is not forced but He will continually invite us and has eternal patience. Why? We are all His children and love isn’t forceful. This isn’t an easy step, however, for the reason that fear and anxiety will creep up and you will become your own worst enemy. It certainly is worth it. You are the only one to weigh the pros and cons. It is your choice to stay stagnant while something burns inside of you to break free.

 We may not see His plan for us but that doesn’t mean we need to question His motives (easier said than done!). Life is hard, gruesome and unforgiving; life is also beautiful and adventurous. My prayer is that you may be free from your  past bondage and chains that you have been hiding behind; know that you are good enough for God and He is always waiting with a watchful eye, continually fighting for you. God is your biggest fan.  

May you feel free and see that God does not see a weak human being but a jewel that was beautifully crafted in the Potter’s hands.
 

The Refiner’s Fire 

He sat by the fire of seven-fold heat,
As He watched by the precious ore.
And closer He bent with a searching gaze
As He heated it more and more.

He knew He had ore that could stand the test
And He wanted the finest gold,
To mold as a crown for the King to wear,
Set with gems of price untold.

So He laid our gold in the burning fire,
Though we fain would have said Him, "Nay."
And He watched the dross that we had not seen,
As it melted and passed away.

And the gold grew brighter, and yet more bright
And our eyes were so dim with tears,
As we saw the fire, not the Master's hand,
And questioned with anxious fear.

Yet our gold shone out with a richer glow,
As it mirrored a Form above
That bent o'er the fire, though unseen by us
With a look of infinite love.

Can we think that it pleases His loving heart
To cause a moment of pain?
Ah, no, but He saw through the present cross
The bliss of eternal gain.

So He waited there with a watchful eye,
With a love that is strong and sure,
And His gold did not suffer a bit more heat
Than was needed to make it pure!

-Author Unknown