Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15
Even from 70 miles per hour on the interstate, the sight was clear. The orange flames danced between the green blades; the white smoke billowed in the breeze. “Did I really see that?” I wondered. I pulled over, parked the car, and ran back to the scene of the crime. As I ran, I watched the cars continuing to rush by. “They have to see what I see; why is no one else stopping?” I stopped to grab a piece of plastic on my way. I certainly wasn't going to put out a fire with my bare hands.
Out of breath and in time, I snuffed out the small ring of fire. Still no one stopped. Or even slowed. I wondered, “What if I had not stopped?” The fire would have spread quickly and eventually out of control. All the while, we watch a firestorm brew. Yet, instead of stopping the blaze, we spread the blame. “Someone (else) should have stopped that fire,” we would mutter in contempt.
A small flame in the grass quickly became a view of anyone's life and soul. All around me are lives burning out of control. I may stop to soothe external disasters, but how often do I throw living water on their eternal flames? How much a more deadly fire rages to consume thousands of lives that I pass by every day? With the eternal vision of the Spirit residing in me, I can see the soul's fire spreading by the second. What if I don't stop and snuff out the enemy's destruction? Will anyone else who passes by this life stop and send a rescue?
The fire will either spread or stop. I pass by this way, by this person, by this life, because I was meant to reveal the One who “seeks and saves that which is lost.” That which is drowning, dying, decaying in darkness. Here I am, water in the smoke filled furnace of eternal combustion. Every life, every second counts. Speak Lord, your people are dying.
If grass consumed by fire is enough to bring pause, how much more is each beloved life worth saving from separation from God? How much more.
13 comments:
WOW, what a powerful illustration...really it hit me. It does stir the Spirit within me...fanning the flame to press on to receive the prize that I make the most of every opportunity...that I look at everyone as I might be serving Christ Himself. Thank you Michelle. Thank You Jesus.
Very powerful Michelle!! Our lives can make so such an impact on others if we only allow ourselves to continually be used by God!!
It's interesting that you post this at this time. Lately I have been overwhelmed by the people around me being consumed by sin, yet they are unaware. I see the flames lapping at their feet, I see the charred lives of their children, already paying the price for the sins of their fathers. I stand daily with my bucket of living water, but so many scorn at my attempt. These people aren't any different than me; so why are they blind? And I am reminded that even the faith to believe upon Jesus is a gift. So I just keep going back to the front line with my bucket of water, praying that some may come to know. We need lots of bucket carriers!!
This is awesome! Thank you Michelle!
Yvette Jakes
I think that was incredible. I think it was given to you by the Father to help us glimpse the seriousness of the "search and rescue" mission we are here for.
Excellent! I was just talking to my friend and music pastor, Don about something similar. It's such a good thing to remember.
Incredible! Love stories that stick and this is definitely one! Such a great illustration of truth!
Very nice. I want to go back and read them all, taking my time.
Well put. I like the analogy :) No time to get further into it, but suffice it to say I liked it. Well done, His good and faithful servant!!
Love it Michelle.. This blog post really made me sit and think. =) Thanks for sharing. Katie
So humbled by the spirit-filled message which really hit home for me. Reading this immediately brought back the story of the Good Samaratan. We need to listen more when God speaks and move when He asks to move. Afterall, our greatest mission is to seek the lost and draw them to Christ. Thanks for allowing God to use you in such a powerful way. I see a novel in your horizon very soon!!
-- Janice
Thank you for stopping and for sharing. - Annette
Michellle -- I am finally at home and was able to read your blog. It was a powerful illustration and you presented it so well. You are definitely impacting others for the Kingdom--people that you don't even know thru your blog--your life and your words. Thank you for sharing your vision. May God continue to give you insight, visions and thew words to share them with us. Blessings, Betty
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