Blowtorches and Birthday Candles
The term “Fire of God” strikes a chord of fearful apprehension in the minds of some Christians. On one level this is a very good thing indeed. The “Fire of God” actually is a dreadful and awesome thing. But on another level the wrong kind of apprehension can be a very bad thing indeed.
For some, perhaps several, the term conjures up in their thinking those turn of the century revivalist preachers coercing and sputtering late into the night in massive tents or open fields. Yet, this too is not a bad thing. All of this was most certainly a true move of God’s Spirit. It becomes a bad thing when a believer does not see himself as a part of that picture.
When a believer hears of “The Fire of God” and thinks it an emotional thing… thinks it only as a public display thing, a bombastic, miracle-working thing best-suited for extroverts or exhibitionists — when a believer thinks that and does not see himself or herself as fitting that image, that believer may back away from the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is a most tragic thing.
Such believers must realize that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman… “ a dove,” remember? Like the bush observed by Moses the Fire of God does not consume you; It does not destroy you, but it empowers you to bring light with power and energy in a much greater way… the way for which you were designed.
Consider for example the Tabernacle architects. In Exodus 31 the Lord says to Moses,
“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you” (Exod. 31:2-6).
The “Fire of God” came upon these men, they were “filled with the Spirit of God,” and how did that Fire manifest? They built great stuff! The “Fire of God” took them as they were and enhanced their output. “The Fire of God” wants to burn in and through you too, and when it does… let me tell you, you’ll be loving it!
But then perhaps you are that fiery revivalist sort. Well then go for that Fire all the same. This world needs Billy Grahams and Mother Theresas alike. It needs prayer warriors anointed and called with fervor in their faith. Didn’t Moses even say, “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” (Num. 11:29). This world needs Blowtorches as much as it needs birthday candles, and neither does its job best until lit.
The question is, do you have a passion for it? Do you want God to ignite you in your own special way, or do you want to stay in your own shadows? Remember, you are not a piece of kindling, you are a candle. Being set ablaze is exactly the purpose for which you were created. Only when a believer is set ablaze will he or she best bring warmth and light to a cold and dark world.
More tomorrow…
thebrokenrunner 
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