Life can get hot. The flames of life can be unbearable and sometimes consuming.
Hot is defined as exceeding normal temperature; burning, searing or scalding; violent or causing unease or discomfort.
There is a verse in the song “Trust in God” but Elevation that says, “He’s been my fourth man in the fire time after time”. That verse hits every single time, because I resonate with it. Life can get hot. Sometimes, the burden gets so heavy because of failed and unfilled expectations. Life can get hot. Sometimes, it feels like God isn’t listening, and you ask, why have you forsaken me? But God, in true grace fashion, responds, I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) Life can get hot. You continue to ask and pray and the answer is still no. But God responds in grace, it is not for you to know the time or season the Father has set in His own authority. (Acts 1:7) Say it with me, life can get hot. You make plans, set goals and they fall apart, and God responds in grace, for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plan for good and not for evil to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) Life can get hot. You fast, and pray, and try to do what’s right and it’s still a challenge. But God responds in grace, saying I will not forget your labor. (Hebrews 6:10) Life can get hot. You don’t understand the drought, this desert place, the valley of dry bones, but God says I am with you here. God is the God of the valley and the mountain top. Life can get hot.
It is not wasted time. It is for a purpose. The pruning is never easy. It is painful and even seems futile at times, but God will keep your heart alive. We don’t understand now, but one day we will. So, as you navigate the uncertainty of life, the hot place, can I encourage you, trust God. Sometimes, we make the mistake of settling in a place, where we were only meant to rest. Don’t settle in that place, surrender that place.
Be encouraged, blessings flow!