Have you ever seen a field in burn-off? Farmers and ranchers set fires in their fields to keep the weeds down and stimulate new growth. Along I-35, signs are posted, warning drivers not to travel into heavy smoke from the burn-offs.
If you watch the progression of a burn-off, it follows a certain pattern. The immediate fire is fierce, often accompanied by black smoke. The once-fertile field retreats into a charred blanket of ash. But about three days later, tiny sprigs of new growth begin to push upward. In about a week, especially after a spring rain, the field is verdant green. Wildflowers appear. Wildlife returns.
In our spiritual lives, we sometimes need a burn-off. Hefty strongholds, destructive behavior patterns and just plain old sin need to be removed. God uses the fire of discipline and difficult circumstances to burn away our weedy behaviors. If we cooperate with him and learn our lessons, we experience a season of quiet and rest. Then we begin to grow again, to produce fruit and live abundantly.
Burn-off isn’t pleasant, but it is necessary – especially if we want to truly live.
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