The Fire

In 1988, lightning ignited a fire in Yellowstone National Park. Few could fathom the actual effect of the fire.

Tornado gusts fanned flames that even roads and rivers could not stop. For days, the inferno ravaged some of the most breathtaking forests in the world.

Once contained, the remains revealed a haunting sight. It was a charred ghost of its former self.

However, five years later, flowers and field grasses transformed burned pastures into flower-dotted hillsides, and new trees emerged.

As devastating as the fire seemed, it brought forth new life. The fire blessed the forest by clearing out barriers to the fresh growth.

Seeing how hardship can do anything but punish and pommel is often confounding. Yet, something remarkable happens for those who hold on to faith amid trial.

James said:

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4, ESV)

Life’s crucible becomes the catalyst for extraordinary things. When we remain faithful through the struggle, our lives deepen and train

sform.

Just as the fire freed fresh growth in the forest, it can do the same in our lives.