Fire is God's way of cleansing nature. I was talking with the naturalist from Floyd county the other day and she said they were going to be busy this week burning the prairie off at the Fossil and Prairie Center in Rockford. They do this because the prairie grasses are heartier than most weeds and trees and after a burn the only plants that grow back are the ones you want.
So the conservation folks use fire to cleanse the prairie.
God uses fire to cleanse us as well.
In the Old Testament God uses the word picture of a refiner of Silver or gold. The precious metal is put through the fire to burn off the "Dross" or impurities. In the book of Malachi, God is described as the "refiners fire" (3:2), purifying His people.
How do you suppose God "refines" His people today?
Personally, I have seen God refining me with difficult circumstances. We all have situations in our lives that we would rather not face. Conflicts and challenges bring stress into our lives and often times we want to avoid these situations. We complain to God "Why me!" But these circumstances are used by God to make us better people. When I have a conflict with another person for instance, I can choose to use it for God's glory. Ken Sandy, in his book "The Peace Maker" suggests that conflict brings us three opportunities. 1) Glorify God (by turning to Him for help in resolving the situation); 2) Serve others (The bible teaches us to consider other's needs before your own [Phil. 2:3-4]), 3) To grow in Christ (As we handle each conflict with a spiritual perspective we become more like Christ.)
If you are searching for a trouble free, pain free life you are making a big mistake. We do not enjoy difficult circumstances, but each of us is put through the fire for a reason. God wants you to be more like Him.
You know something. I was angry, if you read our "Caringbridge" site, when John was diagnosed with cancer. I was angry with God. Why should a faithful servant like myself have to endure such a painful family circumstance?
But I will tell you this, as painful as those first few months were, I wouldn't trade them for anything! God taught us to trust in Him, he used us to minister to others, and we became more mature in our faith because of it.
God is good, all the time! He cares for us and He knows what is best for us. And just like your earthly father, Our Heavenly Father uses difficult circumstances in our lives to "discipline" (train) us to be more like Him.
