Bible Reading: Malachi 3: 2-4
Have you ever been to a bonfire and paid attention to how the wood burns? The wood pieces burn from the inside out. This is really amazing because the flames from the actual fire are closest to the outside of the wood, but initially the inside of the wood is most affected . In order for the wood to serve it’s purpose of providing a source of heat, it has to go through a process.
A process, much like one a Christian goes through in order to fulfill their purpose. God created you for a purpose. And, in order for you to fulfill the purpose God has for you, He had to change you; but from the inside out. Like the wood, He has to burn some areas in your life so that you are effective in the area He has predestined for you.
Initially, when wood burns, its a red, orangish/yellow color on the inside. But the outside bark stays in its original state as if it’s not affected. I’m sure there is some chemical change law that is associated to explain the process. But, as it pertains to us as Christians, in order for us to make long lasting effects for the Kingdom, God has to take us through a process, where others may not even see what’s going on with us on the inside.
As stated before, the purpose of a fire is to produce heat. And when you are sitting really close to a fire, it can get hot. Uncomfortably hot. Similarly, in order for us to serve the purpose God created us for, we too will encounter some uncomfortable times.
After a fire has burned out, there is evident physical change in the bark. It is no longer brown, but a grayish white color.
When God takes us through a process in changing us internally, those around us will be able to see the result.
Prayer: Almighty God, although it may get uncomfortable sometimes, I thank You for the process. I recognize there are things in me that You need to burn out in order to make lasting effects for Your Kingdom. I bless You for the change now. And when it’s all said and done, You will get the glory because of the evidence of what You did in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen…trust the process!