Moving Past and Through the Fires

There's a tree called Jack Pine. Here's a brief description of it: New jack pine seedlings grow well after a hot fire. Fire causes the cone of an older jack pine tree to open up and release seeds. Cones that need heat, such as the heat from fire, in order to open are called serotinous cones. When the heat causes the cones to open, seeds are released and fall to the ground. My friend told me about this tree that she was studying with her kids and I thought it was so encouraging to hear that something actually thrives and is created after it has been through a fire.

God did not promise us a life without the "fires". He promised us a life full of hope in His son, Jesus Christ! That one day we would live in eternity with Him. God doesn't throw us into the fire, He allows us to go through it (and He's right there with you) to that we can grow and learn from it and become the person He's created us to be.

What is your "fire" today that you might be going through? Is it the job that's about to end; a bad doctor's report; a foreclosure or bankruptcy; a failed relationship?

"These trials are only to test your faith... It's (faith) being tested as fire tests and purifies gold...." 1 Peter 1:7

My ENUGGET is taken from a sermon that I found from Pastor Marvin Moss. He said, "Don't let life or its circumstances pull you away from God or the things of God. What we must focus on in the midst of the trial is not just what's happening to us, but what's happening in us. God is using the heat of the fire to mold us, to shape us and create in us a pure heart and right spirit. This is why we praise Him! Because despite whatever life throws our way, our God is there to pull us through. We shouldn't just praise God in the good times, because as we all know life is not always a bed of roses. Why do I praise Him? I praise Him because He is so good; because He is faithful; because He always sees me through; because He is my Father; because I love Him.

Instead of concentrating on the negative in your life, thank God for giving you life, health, and strength. Put up the dishes from your pity party; put on the full armor of God; and keep it moving! Encourage yourself in the Lord!"

I don't know about you, but I need the encouragement. I write about these topics not to sound like I know everything because I DON'T. I write because I'm struggling with each and every one of them. This site is just an outlet for me to express myself and in the process I pray the God will use me for His purpose.

To each person their "fire" is a big one. To someone else it may be small, like mine. I feel like other people would feel what I'm experiening is minute, but to me is kind of a big thing.

Be Blessed this week! I'm praying for you!!

Here's a song by Ginny Owens called 'If You Want Me To

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I dont know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley
If You want me to

CHORUS:
Now I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to