It was the first fire in our new apartment.
We enjoyed hot cider and music as the flames danced over the logs, warming the
small living room. As it died out, my husband, then boyfriend, discussed
whether or not to close the flue on the fireplace. Having no idea on what the
flue was, I had little to say on the matter and headed to bed after it was
decided to close it.
Hours later, we woke startled to
smoke alarms blaring. Jumping out of bed, my husband opened the door to our
room, where nothing could be seen but clouds of smoke filling the hall way. Immediately
he disappeared in to it, while I lay in bed trying to process the whole matter
wondering if our apartment was up in flames and whether or not he was okay and
what I should do.
Returning moments later, he let
me know there was no fire, just smoke. Everywhere. Hard to breath, eye stinging,
thick smoke covering everything. Windows and doors were opened and a sweet
neighbor ran over letting us know he was a paramedic and asking if we were
okay. We were in shock but okay we responded, as we turned on fans and stood on
our patio in the wee hours of the night, smoke pouring out, with thankful
hearts for the lack of flames and filled with new knowledge: always keep the
flue open, even if the fire is out, for the smoke cannot be seen immediately or
contained and comes before a fire.
And fires burn. They move in
unpredictable ways, consuming anything in its path, only to acquire more.
Following Jesus is similar in its unpredictability and drawing others as the faith develops. There is something so contagious
and exciting seeing someone passionate about Jesus and the life that he has
redeemed. The way that it draws you nearer to him and you want the desires of
his heart become those of yours.
Set a fire by Will Reagan is such
a beautiful prayer for this passion and fire in our souls. Have a listen.
Set a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain that I can't control
I want more of You, God
It is not about comparing our walks with each other or what has God has done for this person or that person but thanking him for those blessings and testimonies and taking them as stones of remembrance of what he has been faithful to complete.
Fires shines out of the freedom that comes with truly accepting yourself as God has made you and moving towards the person you are to become through him. It is the hours and days turning in to a lifetime full of following the Spirit.
Praying you would long for more of God, for more of the desires of his heart. Praying that as you navigate the waters as a follower of Christ that you would see the passions that God has placed within you and that you would seek God in those areas. That you God would reveal to you how to use your giftedness to further his kingdom, instead of using them to tear it down.
Praying that you would be set ablaze in hope and live in the freedom of the Spirit.
Here's to fires starting.
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