“Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]?” says the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks the [most stubborn] rock [in pieces]?”
We surely feel the heat and it is God’s fire burning and therefore with purpose and not to be put out.
Fire can destroy but equally be a place of birthing new.
In the natural there are some seeds that only germinate and disperse in a fire. The Kernel cracks open and the vulnerable part to replicate requires water, oxygen and light. The seed grows without being choked by what existed before.
In the spiritual the hard opens giving access and receives Gods rivers of life, the Holy Spirit and Jesus. The seed can flourish only because what would have choked it has been burnt away.
God’s fire can purify and create an opportune moment to be ceased.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.”
What the world sees only as a crisis time has been known and is within the Planned solution of God’s bigger picture. As the world cries out ‘why?’ Christians can become a solution and provide an answer.
The multitudes in indecision be redeemed in Gods redemptive will.
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision (judgment)! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision [when judgment is executed].”
God can manoeuvre to a critical point and what looks hostile can be the cracking or tipping point required.
The place where new generations suddenly become those weeping for and caring for His church.
Beauty from ashes. Choosing better not bitter.
“to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
With God all things are possible and His love endures forever.
Scripturally God frequently takes the most unlikely to do His calling in the knowledge that it will require surrendering and trust in Him.
“They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.”
It may be we have missed opportunities because of our preconceived self imposed limitations we have put on ourselves.
God turns up and uses us in our weaknesses. Resistance comes from the enemy not wanting us to discover our true identity.
We listen to God’s voice and no other to find real and authentic.
The illustration shows the heat crack the kernel to release the curled new life. Beauty from ashes to emanate light and push back the darkness.
Four Scriptures that come to mind:
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision (judgment)! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision [when judgment is executed].” Joel 3:14 AMP
“Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]?” says the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks the [most stubborn] rock [in pieces]?” Jeremiah 23:29 AMP
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1-2 ESV
“to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”Isaiah 61:3 ESV
“They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” Isaiah 61:4 ESV
The song. People Get Ready. Lindy Cofer / MattRedman
Lessisgreater 