Fire is a force to be reckoned with. Fire can destroy a forest in minutes and leave a wave of destruction in its path. After some time has passed, what was previously destroyed begins to be restored - a process that ignites a newness of life.
The word of God is also viewed as a fire in our souls. Jeremiah 20:9 says, “But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones.” This means when we are full of the word, it cannot be contained, we will shout it from the roof tops because it burns deeply within us.
Moreover, in Acts 2:3, after Jesus ascended into heaven, the saints received the gift of the holy spirit that appeared as tongues of fire. This manifestation was power from on high and served as a symbol of transformation of the things to come. A gift that is just as powerful today as during the Day of Pentecost. Receive it in all of its glory.
At other times, fire is viewed as a test which produces a testimony. In our quest to understand the things of God, we may encounter seasons where we feel we are in the midst of fire. Fire, in all its fierce grandeur, burns off the dross and impurities we get entangled with in our daily lives. We may feel unable to bear the heat or the pressure. If we hold on and allow the fire to perfect our temples, then we can shine like the finest piece of gold - pure and without blemish.
Fire can also be a sign of God’s delivering grace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served God with all their hearts. They refused to bow to the god of King Nebuchadnezzar, and they believed God was able to deliver them. As a result of their refusal to bow to an idol god, they were cast into the fiery furnace.
The fire burned bright, seven times hotter, yet they were unharmed. God blessed their faithfulness and delivered them. When we stand on the word of God, we can feel like we are in the midst of fire. We may be shunned, and our lives changed. We may encounter bouts of depression and lose relationships that were once dear. Take hope that God is with us. Though cast into the pit, we will prevail stronger and unscathed. We won’t even smell like smoke.
Whatever you are going through my brother and my sister, no matter how difficult it seems stand on the word. Receive the holy spirit to strengthen you as you go through the test. Though you feel the pressure and there is the threat of harm. Take heed that God is with you. When you go through the fire, you will come out the other side better. You will go from glory to glory in Him. Remember Our God is the ultimate consuming fire!
The Katrice Factor
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