We are starting a new year and with it comes the promise of great things. We have a chance to complete tasks that went unfinished last year or explore completely new tasks for the first time. We can resolve to change the things that didn’t work last year or embrace and expand on the things that did work. A new year brings great possibilities to move forward in life. It is also a time to experience the refiner’s fire to remove what was dead or detrimental so you can come forth like pure gold.
I have to preface the fire analogy because my family has experienced a personal tragedy involving fire. My older brother’s house burned down. Thankfully no one was home but he and my sister-in-law and their three amazing children lost everything. It’s completely devastating to know that all of their possessions and memories are gone along with the place they called home. They will rebuild and insurance will take care of everything but more importantly, my prayer is that they experience a rebirth in their marriage and family life.
You have probably heard the story of the phoenix before. You know that it starts as a bird, burns to a pulp and then rises from the ashes greater than before. Life is a lot like the life cycle of a phoenix. We move along in life feeling insignificant and then tragedy strikes. It is during those times we learn what we are made of and the power of the God we serve.
Fire is symbolic of God’s presence in the bible. It is the fire of God that speaks, refines, cleanses and restores. Maybe 2009 was a great year for you and you are moving along nicely. Maybe 2009 was the hardest year of your life and you didn’t see how you were going to make it out alive. Either way, I want you to know that when the fire of life comes, you can take comfort in knowing that you will rise from the ashes. You can rebuild. You can be stronger. You can be made whole. It is not the end. It might hurt and I know it might not look like it, but God is doing a new thing in you. Endure the heat long enough to come forth a pure gold.
To my sisters – single ladies and married ladies alike – I say rise! Rise from the ashes of broken promises. Rise from the ashes of bad relationships. Rise from the ashes of disappointment. Rise from the ashes of defeat. Rise from the ashes of depression. Rise from the ashes of no self-worth. Rise from the ashes of destructive behavior. Rise. I have faith that you will walk in the authority of who you are in Christ this year. And I look forward to hearing all about it and celebrating with you. You are beautiful and powerful and God wants you to RISE!
