Spring in the Texas Panhandle brings two things with it. Wind and a high chance of wildfires! The climate in the panhandle is extremely dry! So, when you mix a dry climate with gusting winds the risk of wildfires increases dramatically. I will never forget the wildfire that ravaged the land in the spring of my sixth-grade school year. The eerie glow of the orange flames illuminated the dark night sky, and smoke billowed through the air. Everything smelled of smoke.
Thankfully, most homes and businesses that lie on the outskirts of our town where the fires occurred were left un-damaged. When the sun rose that next morning, I will never forget how the land now looked. As far as the eye could see, everything was burned! What once was beautiful golden fields were now charred black terrain.
A few weeks after the wildfire happened, my mom was driving my sister and me to an appointment in another town to the west of us. As I looked out the window of our car, the grass caught my eye. While we were driving, I began to notice where the burned terrain once had been was now the most beautiful green grass I had ever seen! It was pure, luscious, the most gorgeous shade of green, and completely untouched.
Sometimes in life, God allows us to walk through trials. They will not be fun at the moment. The hardships we face will vary. Some may burn. Some might even feel as if the trial is completely destroying everything around you. However, we can have faith and believe that He will be with us through the fiery seasons of life.
Deuteronomy 31:8 says “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Just as God stood in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so also will He stand in the midst of the fire with you and me. He will never leave us or forsake us. During the fiery seasons of life, we can trust the promises of God, and believe that He uses everything for His glory!
His Word also speaks about how seasons of trials make us stronger. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3
We may not ever understand why we face certain trials here on this earth. However, we can trust that He works all things together for His glory. God can make beauty from the ashes. I have seen it with my very eyes. He brought the grass up out of the ashes, restoring it, and giving it new life once again. It was more beautiful and full of life than it had been before the fire. In the same way, He will restore our weary souls. Pulling us out of the ashes into new life once again.
Father, thank you for your promises. Thank you for being with us in all seasons of life—especially the seasons of trial. Help us to stand strong through the hard times. Never taking our eyes off of you. I pray now for the one reading this that is currently walking through a fire. Lord, help her to remember that you are with her and that you will never leave or forsake her.
About the Author:
Rachel is a wife, mother, and women’s ministry leader. She currently lives in the Eastern Texas Panhandle where her husband serves in full-time worship ministry. It brings her heart so much joy to gather around God’s Word with a group of women. Rachel is also a contributing writer for With The Shepherd Ministry. Outside of ministry and writing, you can find Rachel spending time with her family, or meeting a group of friends at her local Coffee Shop.
Connect with Rachel:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelcbridges/
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcolleenbridges
Did you love today’s devotion?
Sign up to receive your weekly love offering.
