by Victoria Heinecke

The trials that bring us closer to God.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

As we drove through the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, my husband Jon spotted a large plume of smoke on the horizon. “There’s a fire over there,” he said. We’d seen fires on farms before, where the farmer was burning a small pyre of compost. I thought it too large to be a fire, and opined that it might be steam from a power plant.

After a few miles, we met up with the fire along the interstate. Jon was right; it was a large fire, and it was still burning. The ground was black, and white smoke plumes were scattered among the hundreds of acres that had burned. There were still tongues of fire lapping close to the interstate as we drove by. Having experienced several epic wildfires in Colorado, I was not comfortable with this sight at all.

We saw many remnants of similar fires as we drove, and thanks to Google we learned that controlled prairie burning is a vital task for a healthy prairie. It reduces invasive plants, and provides a better field for grazing cattle. Rather than scorched earth, it’s preparation for a new life.

“Though you have made me see troubles,
    many and bitter,
    you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
    you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
    and comfort me once more.“
Psalm 71:20-21 New International Version (NIV)

The Psalms are filled with prayers and praises, words of comfort and hope. Wherever you are in life’s journey, and especially during the dark and difficult times, God is always there beside you, continually refining you and preparing you for a better life.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 NIV

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado