Earlier this month I wrote a blog about fire which also happened to be my word for the month. It was a different word and one I wrestled with for quite a bit (shocker, I know). I seem to enjoy the wrestling because something beautiful always comes out of it. I want to share a few things that I have learned about fire over the last few months.
1. It is not a joke. Fire is mentioned all over the Bible in all different forms. When you ask for fire know that God is going to show it to you. Don’t ask for fire unless your willing for your life to be completely shifted. Just like with a bonfire as the wood burns it shifts.
2. We don’t control the fire. Only God can control the fire. If you feel like your fire is dwindling, go to God. Sit with Him and he will stir the fire.
3. THE FIRE IS ALWAYS THERE. The biggest secret is that the fire is always burning. The question is are we attentive to the fire. Are we adding wood or the sacrifices that God is requiring of us. Is our sacrifice leaving a pleasing aroma? Ask God if your not sure.
4. We can quench the fire. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Do not quench the Spirit.” There are moments when we can feel the fire being stirred and it’s up to us what we do with it. But be aware that we can quench it.
5. It will burn. God is so faithful, always. When you ask for the fire, He will show it to you. At times it can feel like a physical burning in your chest. The only way to calm the burning is to be obedient to what God is saying at that time. It could be as simple as praying or saying what needs to be said.
6. Everyone has access to the fire. The fire isn’t just for some people it is for everyone. We can walk in confidence knowing that He has something for us. He is always speaking. Are you always listening?
There is so much more for us. We were created with this hunger for more. Sometimes we try to fill that hunger with the wrong things. He still loves us and wants us to hunger for more of Him EVERY day in EVERY moment.
We tend to carry things that are not ours to carry. We also tend to worry about things for the day and for the future. The Bible is clear that we shouldn’t do either of those things.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
“ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Instead we are told:
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
If you feel like your flame is burning out take time to sit with Jesus and listen to this song by Cody Carnes.
