FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN

"Huh.  Looks like there's a fire."

Though I didn't know it at the time, when "The Hub" uttered those words, an odyssey of faith began.

I thought about several titles for this post:

"Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Me"

"Smoke Gets in My Eyes"

"Burning Love"

"Mrs. O'Leary's Cow"

"I Got Your Fiery Furnace For You"


Then I decided that all of those titles were too flippant for one of the biggest events in my life.

So, let's begin.  (You might want to pull up a chair and get a cup of coffee or tea.  This one is going to be long…)

When "The Hub" said those words, I got up to look out the picture window that has the beautiful view of the valley.  And sure enough, there was smoke – a lot of smoke.

"Do you think we're OK?" I asked.

"Sure.  It's farther away than you think."

Except things kept changing.

The smoke clouds kept getting bigger, and they kept crawling up the mountain ridge toward our town.

I followed the news on several websites.  The fire grew exponentially – increasing in size and ferocity at an incredible rate.

By Wednesday morning, the smoke was just over the ridge from where our house sits.  The smoke clouds boiled and roiled, rising almost 30,000 feet into the air.  Our other picture window, the one with the beautiful view of the mountain peak directly across from our home, gave us a very scary bird's-eye view.

It looked like a nuclear bomb had gone off.

I fretted and worried and prayed all day.  Then I read that we were being evacuated.  I told "The Hub" – who wasn't inclined to go.  But then we got the automated call, and the visit from four county sheriffs – who tied a yellow ribbon around the tree right outside our front door.  The one that read, "DO NOT CROSS."

A frantic hour and a half ensued.  What was important to take?  What was precious to save?

Important papers, photos, a few stuffed animals, sentimental things, some artwork, a change of clothes…all quickly packed into two cars.

We finally left about 9:00 PM.  "The Hub" stopped to talk to a US Forest person in town.  She said that if we stayed in town, we probably wouldn't have to leave the mountain.  (We live quite a bit higher out of town – next to National Forest and Wilderness land).

So, we decided to try to *hedge our bets* and got a room at a small inn just on the outskirts of town.

Well, at 2:30 AM, we were rudely aroused – (I'd say "awakened" – but we had never been able to sleep) – by another sheriff, who told us we'd have to leave. Well, here's exactly what he said, a direct quote:

"I can't make you leave.  But if you stay I need your names, your birthdates, and the name of your dentist in case you die."

Uh, yeah.  We're leaving…

Almost 3 hours later, we finally found a hotel room.  Everything, everywhere was booked solid.  We landed at 6:00 AM in a room far, far from home.

We spent one day and one night catching up on rest and sleep – and then we traveled down to where my family lives.

The continuing coverage was scary.  The fire kept getting closer and closer to our home and town.  Actually, it was closer to our home than town – just on the other side of the mountain ridge that surrounds us.

It was four days later, on Sunday afternoon, that the evacuation order was finally lifted, and we were allowed to return home.

"The Hub" and I were speechless as we stood in the driveway.  Our gratitude went beyond words.

That's the backstory of what was happening.

But I have to share what God was doing through it all – because He was mightily working behind-the-scenes.  

There were several times when the fire updates mentioned some treacherous possibility happening that would make the flames sweep down the mountain into town.

But…

Monsoonal conditions, including lightning and high, erratic winds never materialized.

An ice cap that formed at the top of the smoke cloud, heavily laden, could have crashed to the ground creating a 40-50 mph downdraft.  That never happened.

Expected high winds could have carried burning embers far away.  The winds never occurred.

And finally, the forecasted thunderstorm finally came – and this is a direct quote from the incident commander – with "just the right amount of rain." Just enough to help the firefighting efforts, just enough to remove the threat to our town.

Yes, JUST enough.

That's what God was doing behind-the-scenes.

Which doesn't begin to tell you what He was doing in me.


First of all, I was terrified.  Panicked.  So anxious I thought my heart would burst – literally.  Frantically packing, crying, worrying – feeling a bit resentful, too.  The thought did cross my mind – "You know, Lord, YOU'RE the one who told us to move up here.  Did you do that just to make us lose everything?"

Well, no He didn't.

But, He did have some reasons for this trial.

Here's what I learned:


First of all, God is loving.

That first night away from home I was desperate to hear from Him.  So, I did a "Bible Pick 'Ems" – (you can read about that HERE).  And these are the verses He directed me to:

"…so I will not destroy all Israel…I will preserve a remnant of the people…to possess my land.  Those I choose will inherit it, and my servants will live there.  The plain of Sharon will again be filled with flocks for my people who have searched for me."  (Isaiah 66:8-10, NLT)

Yes.

Not only did the verses speak a promise of protection and preservation, not only did they speak of hope and a future…they also contained MY NAME!

God is love – intimate and caring LOVE.


Second, God is mighty.

At some point in the turmoil, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the story of Elisha and his servant.  And these verses:

"When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. 'Oh, sir, what will we do now?' the young man cried to Elisha.
'Don't be afraid!' Elisha told him. 'For there are more on our side than on theirs!' Then Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!' 
The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire."  
(2 Kings 6:15-16, NLT)

One of the things that continues to amaze me is the map of the fire.  In those first two days the fire burned to the southeast of us.  And then, it took a deadly turn to the northwest.  It marched steadily toward our home. 

But now, at almost 92% contained, I can see the outline of the perimeter. There is a huge semi-circle that surrounds our town.  The fire never crossed the last ridgeline separating us from the flames, less than a mile away.

I can see where the angels stood.


Third, God is sovereign.

I don't think I have ever felt quite so helpless as I did when we drove away from our home, with only the possessions we could fit into two cars.  There's this false feeling of "control" that I fool myself with sometimes.  Well, let me tell you, that illusion got burned away.

But I was comforted by the knowledge that GOD had it in His hands.  

He still sat on His throne. 

He was still in control.  

Each night, I would read the latest update, and then I would turn my computer off.  I'd roll over, utter my prayers, and then go to sleep – trusting that WHATEVER happened in the night, God would take care of me.

I had peace in the midst of it all.

And if you know me, that is a minor miracle in itself.


Fourth, God is jealous.

He takes the First Commandment pretty seriously.  So should we.

To be honest, I struggled with God – about why He might want us to lose all of our possessions.

But, this time He didn’t want us to lose them – He just wanted us to loosen our grip on them.  

He wanted us to let go of the need for things, for the insidious urge to accumulate, for the tendency to make idols out of stuff.

Yes, "The Hub" and I have spent a great deal of time – and yes, money – to make this our dream home.  And our things give us great pleasure – they create a *feeling* that we enjoy living in.

But, they are NO replacement for the God of the Universe.

YOU MUST NOT HAVE ANY OTHER GOD BUT ME.

Same old question He's been asking me for two years now – different circumstances.

"Sharon, is it really JUST Me?"

Fire burned that Truth deep inside.  Yes, Lord…YOU.


Finally, God is personal.

I truly don't believe there are "coincidences" for the believer.  There are just God-ordained moments, and we are wise to keep our eyes open for them.

I have two that I'd like to share with you.

Sunday, we found out that we could go home.  We packed up from the hotel, and drove over to my parents' house to pick up our valuables.  On the way, I really wanted a coffee from Starbuck's.  There was a drive-thru right next to the hotel, but "The Hub" suggested that we go to the one closer to my parents' house.

OK.  Not a drive-thru, so we'll have to get out and walk in.

As we're walking across the parking lot, another couple is coming out.  I recognize the man – he LIVES in our hometown.  We had JUST talked to him the weekend before.

We look at them, they look at us – and I smile.  Because, you see, we are now 2 hours away from home.  Twenty seconds sooner, or twenty seconds later, we would never have seen them.  What are the odds???

Evidently, with God in the mix, 1,000,000 to One!

What a *God-Wink* moment!  

Oh, by the way, we had never met his wife before.

Her name?

Grace.

Yup, I know.


The other moment occurred that night.  It was raining when we drove home, and a dense, gray cloud cover blanketed the mountains.  But, later that night, in the span of 15 minutes, the clouds completely disappeared, and "The Hub" and I watched a full moon rise over the mountain peak right outside our window.

IT. WAS. GLORIOUS.

It might as well have been the face of the Lord – His glory passing by us – just like He had done with Moses.

Silenced by awe, we stood and gazed upon a loving, mighty, sovereign, jealous, and personal God.

A God who is mighty to save.

And did.


Thank you, Lord, for everything…

When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you. 

"The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves." 
(Zephaniah 3:17, NIV)

"'Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.'" (Exodus 14:13, NLT)

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice…Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy." (Psalm 5:11, NLT)

"'Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you…'"  (Exodus 20:20, NIV)

"'Do not be afraid…I am your shield…'" (Genesis 15:1, NIV)

"The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation." (Exodus 15:2, NIV)

"Even now, take your stand and see this great thing which the LORD will do before your eyes." (1 Samuel 12:16, NASB)

"You will not need to fight in this battle.  Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf…'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out…and the LORD will be with you.'" 
(2 Chronicles 20:17, ESV)

"'…Be careful, keep calm and don't be afraid. Do not lose heart because of these two smoldering stubs of firewood…'" (Isaiah 7:4, NIV)

"'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you.  Surely I will uphold you with My righteous [victorious] right hand.'" (Isaiah 41:10, NASB)



How has God saved you lately?

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY

Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY

Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Jen at UNITE
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Shari at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY

Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW

(***SIDENOTE:  Our words can never express our gratitude for the many firefighters who valiantly, courageously, tirelessly waged a literal war against this fire.  (Statistics:  3,478 personnel including 68 crews, 260 engines, 15 dozers, 20 helicopters, and two DC-10's).  We know that God strengthened them, as many were working 16-to-24 hour shifts.  Thank you, one and all, for the courage you displayed while battling to save our town and our home!  May GOD BLESS you always!  And may we continue to pray for the 7 homes that were lost, and the tragedy that this fire was for those people.  May God comfort them, and give them HIS peace.***)



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