FAITH IN THE FIRE, LIGHT THROUGH THE RUBBLE
Devastation by fire has taken place once again in America. In 2023 it was in Lahaina, on Maui in Hawaii. We see it this time ravaging multiple communities in Los Angeles, California. There should be no rush to judgment or cursory analysis. There should instead be an overflow of compassion, acts of kindness, financial generosity, prayers of faith and relational outreach. Analysis will come in time as it should. Healing the hearts of broken people and helping them to restore what was lost should be paramount right now.
Scripture tells us that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost and what was lost. Rest assured that if you look closely for him you will find Jesus in the midst of the fires already beginning to heal, rebuild and restore. Psalm 34:18 tells us he is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. Church attendance in LA is rapidly on the rise. People are looking to God for his divine intervention. For many the embers of a past spiritual heritage are being rekindled and for others a brand new faith is being discovered.
To that end, Renew Church, part of the Every Nation Family of Churches is one congregation forging a pathway of faith, hope and love. Lead Pastor Dihan Lee and his family lost their own home in the initial burn. His main passion however was to save and prepare his church to minister healing to the hurting.
“Pray that God stop the fires from reaching our church,” he said. He wanted his fellowship to be a center of hope, while putting his own family’s needs to the side temporarily. “We’re fine,” he said as he focused instead on his city in need. Talk about being a beacon of light in the City of Angels. They continue to do amazing work while shining God’s amazing light. Everyone can go to renew church.la to join the journey of their RESTORE LA initiative.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)
He said that his church is to BE light that shines continually, without an off-off switch or covering. The light should never be hidden, even when those shining the light are suffering themselves. That said, I confess to wanting to hide or dim my light when busy, tired, on a break or during times of adversity. Thank goodness Jesus didn’t follow that script. He became our Saviour by virtue of his suffering and prayed for our forgiveness at the apex of his agony.
It has been said that there is no better helper than the wounded healer. Anyone who has lived long enough has gone through some measure of adversity, pain, or loss. Remember that our brightest light can often shine through our darkest hour. Pull on personal lessons from those toughest of seasons. Let past pain fuel present victory for others. With God, everything counts and nothing is wasted. The Apostle Paul, who spent much of his ministry enduring persecution and navigating adversity put it this way:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
While not everything that happens is good, drawing close to God will over time frame a redemptive perspective. Everyone will experience fires of adversity at some point in life. The important thing is not to go through those fires alone. The following story told on the television series “West Wing” (1999-2006) captures the essence:
“As he walked down a street, a man fell into a hole. The walls of the hole were so steep he couldn’t climb out. So, the man cried for help. Soon a doctor walked by and heard the man’s cries. The doctor wrote a prescription, tossed it down the hole, and walked away. Before long, a priest walked by and heard the man. ‘Father, can you help me?’ the man begged. The priest wrote a prayer, threw it in the hole, and walked away. Finally, a friend came along. Can you help me?’ the man called. The friend made a brave bold move: he jumped into the hole. The man who had been trapped was aghast. ‘Why’d you do that? Now we’re both stuck here! The friend said, ‘Yes, but I’ve been down here before and I know the way out.”
Whose hole do you need to jump into right now? Just being there with them is half the battle won. Then show them the way UP so the Lord can show them the way OUT. Encourage others to do likewise. Lahaina is recovering. LA will recover. People can prevail over their fiery trials. It will happen one life at a time and one family at a time as believers jump in to help others look up.
