Rekindle the Fire within

September 10th, 2023

Rekindle the Fire Within

Grace, mercy and peace to you – Amen!

In light of recent forest and wildfires (Canada, Lahaina, Montana) that claimed many lives and on the anniversary of 9/11; when steel was melted under the heat of jet fuel fire, I cannot help but think that there continues to be more questions than answers on our minds. So, in such times we turn to scripture for guidance, hope and comfort.

There are many instances in scripture when fire is mentioned: God spoke to Moses from a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-17), John the Baptist tells us that the one who is coming will baptize with the Spirit and with fire (Luke 3:16) and on Pentecost – the birth of the church as we know it, described in Acts 2:3 as tongues of fire resting on God’s people.

However, no scripture is more identifiable these days than that of Isaiah 43: Thus says the Lord, he who created you, …he who formed you… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. .. Do not fear, for I am with you.

You see, fire is necessary for new life and rebirth, but it can also cause destruction and damage that is beyond repair. Even within us, there is the reality of “burnout.” Yes, burnout is real – especially with the barrage of incidents, crises and disasters that require 100% commitment from us. Whether we are firefighters or a food truck cook, airline pilot or custodial staff, an office worker or homemaker, we run the risk of suffering from burned out.

Now, it is said that there must have been a fire inside (in the first place) that causes us to be burned out – so, it is my opinion that we must again seek out that burning desire or zest for life and rekindle the hope necessary to continue being of service to God and humanity, especially in these times.

This fire is necessary in our lives as it enables us to also live in the promise of God: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaish 40:31)