What I've Learned from the Fires
Posted by Maggie Thu, 01 Nov 2007 18:08:00 GMT
Last week really made me get to thinking. There are so many things we learned last week, that I do not want to forget. Some were directly related to the fires, others just from being around a wonderfully godly family for about a week. So I thought I might make a list and share it with you. I’ll probably be working on it in pieces as it’s still hard to sit at the computer for too long, so forgive me if it appears a bit disjointed.
1. The Lord is merciful. Even during this, when people may be tempted to blame God, He was merciful, and His purpose was fulfilled, even if we don’t know what it is. Our pastor talked about this on Sunday. Lord willing, the sermon will be up on the web page soon. Check it out at http://www.grcbible.org/.
2. An evacuation list would be a good thing. We packed in less than an hour, and others had even less time than that. We remembered almost everything, but forgot some things that I would’ve been very sad if I lost.
3. Routine is good. The family we stayed with had morning and evening routines down pat. Complete with meals on time, Bible read morning and night, and singing during family worship at night. John and I are now working on our own family routine, at least for morning and evening. I’m not being too ambitious, but Hannah did great with the routine,and it may help all of us adjust to a new addition.
4. The peace of God really does surpass all understanding. Through all of this we were able to remain calm, trusting that He is in control. I can honestly say I was ready to start completely over with material possessions if the fire were to have made it to our home, even with the things I forgot. I would’ve been sad for a time and it would’ve been hard, but I was ready for it. The things in my home don’t seem quite so valuable anymore, they can be gone in an instant.
5. The Lord is merciful. I know I already said that. But God has saved me from so much more than the Witch Creek Fire that threatened our home. He has saved me from the eternal fire, He graciously chose to reveal Himself to me and the purpose of His Son. He gave me the wonderful gift of eternal life by allowing me to trust in Jesus’ blood to cover all my sins, I do not have to rely on my own good works to save my soul from Hell. And when I trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the payment of my sins He gave me the Holy Spirit to help me in this life. The Holy Spirit kept me calm in the midst of chaos and it is through the Holy Spirit that I am able to do any good works. WOW, when I dwell on this it amazes me and makes me so thankful for so merciful a Savior.
6. Our lives need to glorify God in all things. We saw this lived out in our host family. Scripture poured out of their mouths through out the day, mom had a gentle and quiet spirit that her children responded to, dad was the spiritual leader and lead the family in devotions and prayer, mom kept the home joyfully and was pleased to provide meals for a very full table. I know this family would say they are far from perfect, and I know they are because they are on this side of heaven, but what a joy it was to be around them and see how they live their daily lives and what a privilege it was to be a part of that.
