The Flame Won’t Consume You

Isaiah 43:1-7,19; Romans 8:35-39

As the fires rage in California this week leaving entire towns destroyed including its churches it’s easy to wonder where God is in all this. These two passages declare God’s love for us which nothing not even fire cannot separate us from.

Isaiah encourages us not to fear for God has redeemed us. We are God’s – due to this God is with us like a loving parent. So, when we pass through the waters and rivers of life (barriers) you won’t be overwhelmed by them knowing God is on your side. Isaiah is reminding them of the crossing of the Red Sea and the prophets crossing the river Jordan.

Then the verse quite apropos for today: “When you walk through the fires, the flames shall not consume you.” He is reminding them of the story of Shadrach, Meshech and Abednego who escaped the flames they were sent into. Your life like theirs is so precious to the Lord that your house and town may burn down but you will be saved.

I remember when I was growing up we had a house fire. After getting all her children out my mom thought about going back in to get anything important when she realized as she counted her children safely out that she had all the important things of life surrounding her – her children. God as a loving parent feels the same. I’m praying that those who have lost homes will be thankful that the important things in one’s life of self, family, and friends are the most important.

Romans 8 tells us no matter what nothing can separate us from God’s love. No affliction, distress, famine, or nakedness (those who have lost everything including their clothes which weren’t on their backs) nor anything else in all creation (wildfires) can separate us from the love of God.

In Isaiah 43:19 God says, “I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” God is saying I will provide for you – make a new way throughout all the rebuilding and the starting all over again. I hope that those who have lost their homes can cling to this on the long road ahead for them. I pray that Christians will reach out and be the hands of God helping the victims of these fires with their current needs for shelter, food, and clothing. In this way showing the love of God which nothing – not even fire- can separate them from. Amen.

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