After the Fire

     You have suffered loss in your life. We all have. We grieve, we deny, we get angry. There are unanswered questions whether in the loss of a job, a loved one, a marriage, or a home. A little over ten years ago most of our home and belongings were lost from damaging black smoke swirling into every nook and cranny due to an electrical fire. We were devastated and lived away from home for seven months.

     At the time we said all of the right things like, “It is just material.” But those material items included treasured memories like homemade Christmas stockings and shelves and tables made by my father-in-law and the piano I played as a young girl. As with any other type of loss we went through the shock, devastating grief and finally acceptance and moving on. It was a difficult time for our family.

     Our temporary housing began with a week-long hotel stay after which we moved into a dated townhome not far from our house. That way I could walk back and forth to watch the progress of the construction and our daughters could get on the school bus and try to resume normal life.  They shared a bedroom for the first time in their lives at ages 13 and 15.

     A good friend of mine asked me this week if I had any thoughts, resources or emotions to share with her. Her cousin and family lost their business/home and two of their precious dogs recently due to a fire. I found three devotions I wrote just a few weeks and months after the fire and thought I would share them with you this week.

     Having Jesus and the family of Christ made a huge difference to us as we tried to cope. He always makes a difference when we go through the tragedies and sufferings in life. He carries the burden right along with us and guides us through. We can trust Him and hang on to Him through everything.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

Father,

Thank You for Your protection and love. Thank You for being there through the floodwaters and the fires in our lives. We are moving from this earth right into eternity with You. You are with us, always, to the end of the age.

In Jesus name,

Amen