Fires produce new growth

The mountains have been a refuge for me in times of needed refreshment, in times of despair, in times of uncertainty, in times of waiting.  Today I listen to the quietness, the stillness of the life of this small mountain village. No hurry, just peace. We are surrounded by fires popping up all over the region north of us. We pray for angels to encircle our neighbors. We ask for comfort for them during this time of loss. They too have had  a refuge and its in danger of being destroyed. High winds, fires raging out of control was what we could see over the mountain ridge. Great puffs of smoke reaching so high the heavens were hidden. Prayers were being lifted up all over the 3 county area. The animals were coming down out of the mountains, parched and looking for water to drink and to bathe their wounds. God is so amazing! The winds shifted, our neighboring town although still not out of the woods, is holding on to dear life and we are praying and standing with them. A sense of unity is created when one of us is looking death and destruction in the face. The beauty that God  painted for us and created for us to love has been swallowed up by fires caused by drought and pestilence. Some say it's God judgement on the land. I believe someone else is behind it. Someone who wants to destroy all that is beautiful, all that is good. I know that the land cries out when sin abounds and blood is shed. But where sin abounds, grace much more abounds. God's way is to overcome evil with good no matter where it originates. We have seen so much of God's amazing grace through this week. Love has spread, servant hood had been shown in every way, appreciation for God's goodness and his beauty of nature has been expressed, neighbors have come together, prayer meetings have sprung up. We once again have been reminded of what is really important and what we really cherish. New growth is always the result of fire, whether it is in the land or in our lives. For these light and momentary troubles are causing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.