In my little convertable I got closer to the dark thick black clouds. The winding road started to disappear and my breathing was being stifled as I was determined to get away. Hmmm. I was getting away from my future EX-husband. Driving through flames on each side of my little car and that felt safer than being with him.
Once I arrived and proudly posed at my destination, little did I realize that huge growing fire and massive tower of billowing smoke not only would destroy the forest, choke wildlife and burn all homes in it's path, it would be the start of the coming firestorm that would burn everything in my life as well.
For the longest time, whenever I viewed this picture with those imposing clouds of smoke from the fire, It reminded me of how very much it resembled evil. That insidious vapor-like force that seeps into our life, family and business, undetected until the damage has been done.Yes, it did burn very hot. Yes, it left behind my daughters death, divorce and destruction.
HOWEVER
"what the enemy(Satan)meant for harm, my God used those same plans for my good"
(Genius 50:20)
Got it? The enemy influenced me, my ex husband, his girlfriend/my secretary,the counterfeit Christians in my life and my family to the point of destruction. I finally realized through much prayer and spiritual training what was going on and what I had to do about it, I declared,
"I AIN'T GOING DOWN LIKE THAT!"
THEREFORE
I now view this same picture the way God sees it.
"He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.
He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. They will belong to the LORD"
He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. They will belong to the LORD"
(Malachi 3:3)
In the process of refining metals, the raw metal is heated with fire until it melts. The impurities separate from it and rise to the surface. They are skimmed off, leaving the pure metal. As we are purified by God, his reflection in our lives will become more and more clear .I can not change what has already happened. But I can change the meaning of the results. I have been purified through this fire. I will never be the same again. I have the spirit of truth in me. God has allowed me to take what appeared to be a burned up mess and deliver a message of hope.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy,
the devil.
He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)
Be on guard for anyone or anything that does not match up with the word of God. It could be that helpful employee that seems to want to help. All the while inserting a false sense of confidence about their motives. It might be a counterfeit christian that influences you contrary to Gods calling on your life. Getting to know God and what He wants will be your safeguard and compass. You can't expect protection, promotion or favor if you are a cheap seats sort of Christian and still hold on to YOUR OWN WILL AND DESIRES. God wants to call you His own!
If you hear His voice....trust and obey.
That's being fireproof!
~Elle
