Consuming Fire

O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.”

Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The Lord—he is God! Yes, the Lord is God!”

1st Kings 18:37-39 NLT

Nothing like a flash fire straight from Heaven to make a believer out of someone! This story about Elijah is one of my favorites. I love his boldness, his courage, and his faith in God to be able to face off against all of Israel. I love more that God showed up and burned everything - water and DUST included - to prove that He is the one true God.

Prior to this victorious event on Mt. Carmel, Elijah faced very difficult situations where his life was in danger, he was in extreme isolation for three-and-a-half years, and getting his food from ravens! Tough times, for sure. We call it going through the fire...

We've all been through some kind of trial by fire. Some more than others. Some worse than others, but as believers, we have come through. God has been true to His Word. He didn't say we would never go through hard times - quite the opposite, actually. Isaiah 43:2 NKJV assures us, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Whatever it is - we are going THROUGH.

Some fires are good. Some... not so much. The great news is that God is always in your business, whether it's a Mt. Carmel experience where God consumes everything with His fire or the burning bush where nothing is scorched. Or if it's a manmade fire like that of the Hebrew children, it matters not. If we trust God, if we stay in His presence, His fire will bring us through as pure gold. 1st Peter 1:6-7 NLT reads, In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ...

Prayer:

Father,

           Help us to see the fire as working all things for our good. Help us to recognize You in the fire. We trust You. We long for Your consuming fire to burn away the chaff of life. Bring us through as purified gold. Let our souls be on fire for You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7lv9oMjv_0