Consuming Fire

My husband and I camped on our property over the weekend. It was a wonderful few days of sleeping in, walking through the creek, relaxing by the fire, and just enjoying some much needed rest, relaxation, and time together.

One night as we were sitting by the fire, I couldn't help but think of how the Bible associated fire with God and the Holy Spirit. I was watching the flames as they rose higher and higher. Then, I watched as they consumed the wood that we had placed there. The flames were no longer reaching for the sky, yet the embers were still burning brightly. I could still see tiny blue flames as it continued to burn hotter and hotter.

As I watched that campfire, it started to make sense to me. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, I was given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He literally lives in me. There are times when I am so "on fire" for God that it consumes every thought, every moment, and every action of my life. Sometimes, that fire dies down a little and I don't feel as excited about sharing God's Word or being the hands and feet of Christ. However, even in those times, the fire is still there. The flames aren't as visible, but the coals are still hot. The spark is never gone.

Life gets so busy that I sometimes don't give God the time and honor that He deserves. I get selfish, tired, overwhelmed, and a thousand different other emotions. What it boils down to is I just get distracted. Sometimes by good things that honor God. Sometimes by my own selfish desires. Regardless, I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit never abandons me. He lives and keeps the fires burning. He gets me stirred up and burning for the Lord and keeps me focused on the things that really matter. Just because the whole world can't see the rising flames, doesn't mean that He isn't working. The embers are hot and eventually the faint red glow will consume all that it touches. My prayer is that I can be that tiny spark that helps to start an all consuming fire in the lives of the people I meet. That the Holy Spirit can work through me to bring others to Himself.

What an awesome gift from God!! To be given the Holy Spirit to actually walk through this life with me. To live in me. I can't really even comprehend it, but, I believe it because I feel it. I am so thankful for the burning fire that warms me, refines me, and consumes my life!