When Things Get Hot

"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" -1Peter 1:6-7 (NASB)

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." -1Peter 4:12-13 (NKJV)

One of the most amazing creations God has ever put on this earth are the Giant Redwoods and Sequoias trees. These trees, when fully grown, can reach heights of well over 300 feet and live THOUSANDS of years! However, just like everything else on this earth- they are born tiny and must endure trials along the way. One point I noticed in the reproduction of these trees that I thought was particularly interesting was the way they react to and even DEPEND on fire to grow. The sequoias rely on fires to burn and destroy competing vegetation when they are younger to allow them more sunlight to grow; the hot air from fires opens the cones still in the trees to release seeds; and even the ashes on the ground may protect the seeds from damaging ultraviolet rays. The redwoods have both a large quantity of water stored in their tremendously thick bark and a chemical known as tannin that helps guard against fire. In fact, some redwoods have been known to survive multiple fires throughout their lifetime and still stand tall.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we can learn a lot from these examples. We must allow God to rain fire on us periodically, and even rejoice when they hit. Just like the sequoias, a fire can destroy anything that is competing with allowing the fullness of Jesus' light shine in our lives. This includes worldly temptations, trials, and even relationships that may hinder our walk. And, new life can always grow out of the ashes. I had a discussion the other day with a lady pertaining to fires in our lives, and the refining process that goes along with them. Just like the refining of gold: when heat is applied, it removes all impurities. What is left is pure, undefiled, and extremely valuable. As I described to her, "What doesn't burn, stands." In reference to the thick and fireproof bark of the redwoods, we are to put on that thick and impenetrable armor of God daily and keep ourselves filled with the living water of Christ that extinguishes those fiery darts from the enemy. When we apply these principles to our walk and hold tight to the Cross when we're in the middle of a fire, what's left will be exactly what God intended for us all along: pure, holy, and priceless!