[:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (9/21/18)[:]

[:en]Fire can destroy trees.  But it can also enhance its growth.  “Cool” fires clean the forest floor of dead leaves and branches.  They leave behind ashes, which are perfect for seeds to grow in.

“Fires of life” are trials and problems in our life.  We do not like them but they are necessary for our spiritual health and growth (1 Peter 1:7, 4:12).  James wrote:  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 12:4)

God purposed trials to equip us for holy living.  It makes us grow  into spiritual maturity and shape us to the likeness of His Son.  Let us trust God for His strength to endure difficulties and the faith to wait for His good purposes to be accomplished in us.[:]