If you’ve ever been to a Christmas Eve candlelight service, or a candle light service of any kind, have you ever noticed that your flame is the brightest when you are helping the person next to you ignite their flame?
Seriously, try it! Even if you’re home by yourself, grab your matches or one of those clicker thingys & go light a candle. The very moment the wick ignites, the flame of the two components merge, the height of the flame increases, and the glow of both together is so bright!
This is what happens in our spirit each and every time we engage with another person. There is a heightened awareness of God moving in our lives & the desire to shout His glories from the rooftops definitely increases.
Hang with me here while I keep going with some “candle lighting” analogies.
Sometimes when lighting candles around the house (which makes my husband crazy, but hey, I’m a fireman’s daughter so I know what I’m doing!) it takes longer to light some candles than others. Some wicks are ready and waiting & that first burst of the lighter flame in their direction, they spring to life. Some wicks are covered by an excess of wax, so the lighter flame has to be held directly to the wick to melt the wax before the flame can take over. And every once in a while, the lighter will go out before the wick is lit. You’ve got to click the lighter a few times & try again.
It’s all about patience & readiness.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 champions us to run after the fire of God, “That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].”
God’s Word reminds us to fan the flame of God’s goodness ~ of His gift of salvation which we can pass in to others. Some people will readily accept the truth of scripture & believe Jesus as their Savior. Some need a bit more time to allow the lies of the devil & what the world says about God, to melt away from their heart and mind. And sadly, some will be resistant to whatever truths are presented to them about who God is and how much He loves them.
The imagery of fire and flames are all over scripture, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Nehemiah 9:12 {AMP} says, “And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light the way for them In which they were to go.”
Isaiah 43:2 {AMP} holds a beautiful process, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”
And I for sure would’ve loved to have seen the gift of the Holy Spirit come upon the people as stated in Acts 2:3, “There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit].”
We are not meant to keep the fires of the Lord that burn within us to ourselves. We are called to share that fire ~ to bring light to the dark areas of this world, to shine brightly to those around us which hopefully causes them to be curious and ask us why we are different. If you have ever had the privilege of sharing the Gospel with anyone, and you see the spark of hope ignite in their eyes, it’s truly incredible. Witnessing that proverbial “light bulb” moment, you can see the spark grow into a flame and then into a full blown fire of joy as the Lord becomes their Savior.
So how are you lighting the fire of God in others today? If you are feeling stuck as to where God is calling you, just ask ~ He’ll tell you! The best way to hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit is to be in prayer everyday so that you are accustomed to know what God’s voice sounds like. Hearing from the Lord continues to bring the flame in our souls up to the surface. And then we can’t help but share it! The great thing too is that as you light more and more souls on fire for God, your flame will not diminish…it keeps going & becomes brighter!
Let your fire for the Lord be contagious! Wherever you are, start a wildfire for the Lord and watch those new flames burst forth and ignite!
Blessings,
René
Photo by Josh Howard on Unsplash
Broken & Blessed~Adventures in Gratutide! 