The Wolff family has been working pretty hard lately clearing our property. We have an acre and a half full of trees and brush. What once was wild and full of weeds, dead trees and leaves is now becoming a beautiful place. I am loving the transformation, although the work involved has been brutal. Lots of mosquito bites, scratched up legs and allergy flare ups. But its all been worth it. It has been so good for my kids to see the benefits of hard work and has given them an opportunity or two to learn about team work.
As we have been clearing, we have had a brush fire going. At times this fire has been burning slow and even. It has had big flames or no flames at all but big billows of smoke. I have observed that fire and compared it to the fire I have in my heart for the Lord.
Sometimes my heart burns hot and fiercely for the Lord. The flames are big and blatant for all to see. God is moving in a powerful way and all I can do is allow Him to burn off the "weeds, dead leaves and rotten stumps." Other times the fire is just embers. They aren't big, but burn steady and even. God is working through the daily episodes of life, teaching me to love Him no matter what, that He is still God and is a steady source of stability. He is faithful and true. The embers are still burning things away and my heart still longs for Him. It is an even, steady, stable fire that isn't burning bright, but is burning just the same. The impact isn't so obvious but I still feel the results. Than there is the smoke. It gets in my eyes, makes me cough and I have to move to see or even breathe. It surrounds me and makes me feel uncomfortable. But it is still doing its work deep inside. I have to move to a different place to see, or even breathe again. God makes me uncomfortable in a different way, helping me to see things from a different perspective. A perspective I might not have noticed otherwise. Sometimes the shift is fast and I have to change my perspective again.
Than we have the fire that is good for roasting hotdogs or marshmallows for s'mores. It brings family and friends together. Making lasting memories. It brings us closer to those that matter most in our lives through laughter and good conversation. It opens our hearts to new ideas, thoughts, dreams even. This fire is one of comfort, warmth, good feelings.
Every fire needs to be monitored and kept contained for it to be effective in a healthy way. It's the same for the fire we have in our hearts for the Lord. At times, it will be big, bright, hot. It may be close to losing control but as we monitor the fire, it stays contained and doesn't hurt anyone in the process. Our fire for Him may be embers, burning steady and slow. We may need to stir it up a little to keep it going. It shows itself in gentle ways. It is strength for someone else; a scripture shared, a kind word delivered. Maybe it is even one word from the Lord to our own hearts.
Our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:29) He strongly and urgently burns in our hearts through different stages in our walk with Him. I want my love for Him to grow and burn with a consistency that impacts those around me on a daily basis. I want my husband, my children, my friends to see and feel the love I have for my Savior. That is my hearts desire. No matter what stage the fire burns in my heart, I want it to do it's work in me so I can be a benefit for His kingdom.
