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A GUEST BLOG POST by Ann Hilsden (my wife!). A powerful piece I’ve just got to share….
On the first Sunday in July 1995, something unthinkable happened in Israel. A raging fire consumed an estimated two million trees. Hand planted trees!
About 2,500 acres of land were left charred and barren. Several communities were evacuated while hundreds of firefighters bravely battled the flames in high summer temperatures, and planes and military helicopters sprayed chemicals from the air.
The ashes were landing on my balcony that day, though our home was at least 25 kilometers away from the forest. Roads into Jerusalem were closed and our speaker for that evening service at King of Kings Community Jerusalem was not able to arrive. We all prayed.
Only weeks earlier I had traveled past that forest, headed west in the afternoon, and marveled at the beauty of the trees through the sunlight. This was a heartbreaking day for a land that treasures its trees.
I now know that many of the pines that burned that day had been among the earliest planted. They had been fast to grow but had a short life span, and had probably lived it out by then.
Researchers are now saying that fires are not necessarily bad, but can be a natural part of a forest ecosystem. Parasites and pests die, piles of turpentine-producing needles and cones burn off, giving the soil a chance to regain its pH balance.
Today, 17 years later, the Jerusalem Forest is again beautiful. But now there are trees and plants that could not grow there before. This forest will be a stronger one, for it is planted in soil cleansed and renewed by the fire. Even the rainfall in the area has greatly increased over the years because of surrounding growth.
Have you been hit with a devastating tragedy? Does it seem like a loss that can never be redeemed? The story is not over when the ashes still smell and the soot is still flying through the air.
God’s fire is painful but not cruel. Only for the rebellious does His fire consume and destroy, but if you are His, you will come through better, stronger and more luxuriant.
Some theologians deny that God would treat His own with fire. They insist that only those who rebel and reject God are subject to His fire.
Read Zachariah 13:9. Here we see God refining His remnant people for His glory. Hear what He says! “They will call upon my name and I will answer them. I will say ‘They are my people’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”
I would prefer a baptism in fire from Yeshua now, than have to undergo a worse burning later. I pray for him to burn away the chaff and every harmful element from my heart; to bring me out of the fire with a tender and pure heart, ready for a new season of growth and wholeness.
Have you ever experienced what looked like total devastation? Did anything good come out of it? Tell us about it and encourage someone who needs to hear your story.
MY VIEW FROM THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING 
A friend Dave Lockwood used to say,”Better burn now than later.” Good word Wayne. Dan
So sad that Dave is no longer with us. Thx for the feedback Dan.
Micah 3:2,3 speaks of the Levites being refined in His fire as silver and gold.
Yes, burnings and fire are indeed for His own ones.
Excellent and very encouraging post for those of us who are in
This burning right now!
Yesterday, our town celebrated the Spirit which kept all 8000+ people safe during a firestorm that ravaged our town 2 years ago destroying 500 homes and leaving 4000 people homeless, but ALIVE! Praise the Lord!!! Hatred dissappeared, and while people suffered tremendous loss, others stepped in, grieved with us, grew with us, and nurtured us!! God is good.
This is an afluent town, that now has come to terms with ‘things’ and has become more connected with the idea of loving your neighbor, especially those who different than yourself. Loving life, rather than things, and ultimately loving God above all else. Thank you Lord for the firestorm! I now have a new life because of it! New neighbors! A new town, that is still hurting, but is ready and burting for you!
Carrie, the Lord have given you a great attitude in the midst of trial.
What an encouraging word!I pray that the fire of God will consume in us everything that displeases him so we can be a pure and spotless bride waiting for His return. Thanks Wayne and Ann!
Refining fire, such a good and refreshing God way of dealing with us. Great article Ann and wonderful responses too.
I come form a minus twenty on the scale of family. Zero being the person who discovers God and hasn’t had huge things to work through, I’m wondering if there is anyone like that? A friend once commented on the book I’m working on writing, said the title should be “Abused Deluxe”, that was funny!
I am grateful for the fires, I’m old and have had a lot of them. God is good, He is faithful, and without His word and passages like Ezekiel 1 I would not understand the ‘fire’. God is always refining us. Blessings.
Hope you’re doing well Liv. Jerusalem is not the same without you.
What a beautiful and encouraging word from Ann. It is so good to be reminded of the life that comes from the ashes when we are able to yield to God and trust that He is in control and makes all things beautiful in their time. I hope Ann will keep have more guest blogs coming!
Ann’s got amazing insights, and she’ll be getting lots of airtime on my blog. Ann’s encouraged by your comments.