A few weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to take my wife on a weekend getaway near Leavenworth, Wash. The bed a breakfast we stayed at (https://www.cashmeremountainbandb.com/) was owned and operated by a wonderful couple who have been there for more than 20 years – and long enough to have endured a wildfire that tore through their property. The purpose-built B&B, which is also their home, and many of the ponderosa pines (that the owner, Brian, had the foresight to limb) miraculously survived the fire that destroyed almost everything it touched. The hillside northwest of the property that was once covered in thick forest now has large swaths of open areas dotted by sparse trees. Rather than complain about the loss of the beautiful forest, Brian told us about the vibrant wildflowers that now cover the scorched areas, extolling their beauty and choosing to focus on what good came from the ashes.
Brian’s story and perspective inspired a poem and made me consider how the “flames” that are the challenges and pain of life can result in good. This is especially true for God’s children, as we know from Romans 8:28. It is such a comforting hope that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and, in spite of that, He chooses to love us and has made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and be reconciled to Him though Jesus Christ. So, we can trust Him to bring all things to a good and joyful conclusion either in this life or in the true and eternal life to come.
I’ll end here with the words of the old hymn, How Firm a Foundation:
“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”
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