In The Face of Wild Fires

Scriptures: ‘Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”’ (James 4:14-15)

Yesterday, like most Christians, we went to church for worship and fellowship. It was a windy, but clear day and, though there were news about a brush file in Malibu and another one in Castaic, we did not suspect for one moment that it would be this close to home.

When we left the church at about 3:20 pm, we saw the sky to the north was pretty much covered by heavy black smoke. We said to each other that the brush file in Castaic must have gotten worse. But, when we got home and turned on TV, we learned that it was a new fire in Canyon Country which started yesterday afternoon. In that small window, a matter of 3 to 4 hours, this brush file had burned more than 12 thousand acres. The pictures shown on TV were even more frightening. The fire came so close to the houses in the residential area and people have been asked to evacuate from those dangerous areas.

The speed and the destructive power of these wild fires were incredible. I couldn’t help thinking how vulnerable our lives are and how unreliable all these earthly possessions are. Yet, we hold on so tight to them, as if they are our hope and assurance in life. And, when storms in life hit, like this wild fire, we find ourselves so limited and incapable of taking all the things we treasure. Some do not even get to carry their photos and diaries. The only thing they got to keep was their memory.

Wild fires are disastrous. I don’t want to minimize the pain and suffering people go through. But, where do you go to escape these disasters? In this country, we have earthquakes on the west coast, tornados in the Mid-West and hurricanes on the East Coast. And, wild fires are just wild. They can be found on the west coast or in Mid-West. When these natural disasters hit, with all the advanced technology, all that we can do is give people a heads-up so as to save as many lives as we can and minimize the damages.

While these efforts are precious and commendable, their values are temporary. Yet, the loss of them still brings great grief to many. I guess that’s because we invest a lot in them. I suppose, the more we invest the more we treasure. And, of course, when a disaster hits, the more we lose. Jesus once cautioned us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves to not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

I think it’s imperative that we re-examine the definition of our treasure. Jesus demanded that we store up treasures in heaven, i.e. things like “…any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion…” (Philippians 2:1) Not only will the efforts to store up these heavenly treasures help minimize the impact from storms in life, they will also build up our heavenly character and make us strong in the face of these storms.

The wild fire is still burning fiercely. But the thoughts of these biblical teachings already calmed the fear within, knowing that this life and this world is not it at all. There is an eternity to look forward to and we are called to experience the heavenly blessings our Lord Jesus has in store for us right this moment. I am blessed! Thank you, Lord!

Prayer Requests:
For the victims in these wild fires, especially for their relationship with our Lord Jesus.

Prayer:
Our gracious Father, thank You for being the Creator and Sustainer of our lives. Even though there are difficulties and troubles in life, we know our hope is not here, but where You are. Help us to be heavenly mindful so that we can be earthly useful, especially in responding to Your call to reach out to the lost souls. Thank You for our Lord Jesus and His good news. Help us to take in all the goodness of the gospel and share through our lives empowered by the Holy Spirit. Thank You and pray in Jesus’ name, Amen!