The Fires

 Recently there have been numerous fires due to the lack of rain.  It stirs a fear inside me when I think of fires that are out of control lurking in the distance. I thank God for firefighters who work hard to stop the continual burning. As the flames consumed the land, people prayed for relief. What a sweet sound it was the morning we woke up hearing the falling rain.  Immediately, I thanked God.

I literally envision answered prayers falling down from heaven on our burning land while listening to showers pouring from the sky.  After the rain, comes the aftermath of the fire.  I think of the devastation left behind.  All that remains is ashes. The picture isn't pretty.  The damage is done.

In this life, we experience our own personal fires.  Feeling the heat from the sin in this world.  The intensity of the flames cause us to seek relief.  If it wasn't for those faithful counselors who are called to minister & address our emotional & spiritual fires, we too would have no end to the intense burning. I'm thankful for the faithful "emotional firefighters" who have ministered to me and my loved ones through the years.   Most importantly, let us not forget our Almighty Counselor, Jesus.  Just as answered prayers bring rain to put out the fires, the touch of our Heavenly Father soothes our souls.  Like the sweet & refreshing rain that comes from heaven, He sends His comfort from above to stop the heat.  At first we can only see the ashes the damage has left behind.  But as we read in His word, there is a sweet promise that He will bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes, we have hope.

Isaiah 61:3 "and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor."