I dare say every person in ministry encounters such “hearts” at least once! Most of us could identify a circumstance, situation or some person associated with life-enflamed! We face attacks; we have an enemy Satan who aggravates hearts with plots, igniting fires!
A flame is the mere tip of a weapon, assaulting us in various manners. The hurt, insult, disappointment, some “issue” may smolder, suddenly ignite or flash from the smallest spark… Feeling isolated in your adversity? Review the heroes in Hebrews chapter 11, and identify their “flames”. It helps me realize my circumstance is not unique nor am I singled-out for adversity. The chapter begins with sacrifice and concludes by mentioning those that quenched the power of fire!
God provides a shield of faith, designed with a specific purpose: to extinguish flames. It captures the tip of the flaming arrow, and ensures it spreads no farther. This God-designed defense guards our heart and the flame dies. Yes, the shield of faith protects. God Himself is the shield, as in Psalm 3:3a, for YOU Oh Lord are a shield for me… my buffer, defender, protector, standing between me and the adversary.
Excerpts from Isaiah 43 offers strong encouragements. Do not fear, YOU are Mine! …when you pass through the fire you will not be scorched NOR will the flame burn you… since you are precious in My sight. We will not be consumed or injured by this fire. Our Heavenly Father is right there, and made this promise before you or I encountered any fire!
So, how do we love in the midst of such flame? I can only share with you what I’ve learned to do, how I attempt to appropriate God’s love when I’m burned and trusting Him to heal that blistered hot place in my heart and mind. It is no formula, but a method I seek to follow. I search my own motives, and inspect where I have been the offender. Clarify the situation before the Lord, willing to be admonished, disciplined, and changed for His sake. I examine myself: could I have responded, acted, engaged differently? What did I have control of? Who must I forgive in order to love? Often, I am on that list. Then, ask God for His compassion and mercy. By love, I do not mean the mushy emotional feelings, I mean respect for, regard toward, and thoughtfulness toward the offender, as God enables me.
Really horrific burns leave unsightly scars. Many of us have such scars, secretly hidden away so no one else will notice. I pray the time will come when you are willing for the Lord to cover those scars with His healing ointment… be that through the acceptance of another person, counseling help if needed, and a fresh reminder of Who you serve and why! One purpose of CJ is to dare trusting others with some of our unsightly scars. Others may care and reach out toward us, but only God can heal.
Review Hebrews 11 & 12. Notice the flames they encountered. Heb. 12:2 commands us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who endured [because of the joy ahead] then vs 28 says, therefore…show gratitude…offer God an acceptable service, and let love of the brethren continue! And remember: not one person, ever, said this was easy! Whew!
So have your say. How do you deal with the fire in the midst of ministry? I would love to read your comments in the forum or here. Remember when you click on the forum if you are not signed in you will need to do so in order to post a comment.
Anita Author/Devotional Writer/Speaker and Teacher Anita writes from a God-given passion and the overflow of His activity in her life. She was a young mother of two when her husband Dick Onarecker, recognized God’s call on his life. Suddenly she was a minister’s wife! For years they worked together, so when Dick died suddenly in 1996, her life changed in every conceivable way. Her focus became “finding a new normal.” She completed her education at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating with a master’s degree in May 2007. In 2003, Anita began serving through the women’s ministry leadership team for Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. She is a speaker for retreats, special events and loves teaching Bible studies. Her children are married now, and bless the family with five delightful grandchildren. Anita is married to Ed Wood, and lives in Spring, Texas.
