I grew up running through fire, learning to protect myself like a fireman, getting comfortable running in and out of burning buildings. The fire of my childhood was not literal fire, but rather volatility caused by addictions, poverty because of life choices, living life with abandon and no plans for the future, preferring chaos instead of structure, rebelliousness over rules, and independence over conformity.
By the time I reached my teenage years, I had learned how close I could get to the fire without getting burned, and that running through it wasn’t necessary to draw energy from the heat and excitement of it. I couldn’t leave the fire alone, though, and it drew me like a magnet. I would approach often, warming my hands in its intensity, hypnotized by the comforting toxicity and the underlying evil.
Jesus was there too, within me, beside me, in front of me, and behind me. In love, my Shepherd let me walk about freely, coming to my rescue when I got myself stuck in a hard spot, gently untangling me and nursing my wounds before releasing me again. What an amazing parent that He was to raise me that way!
Not everyone grows up learning how to run through fire, learning discernment of how close is too close. Not everyone has been equipped with the proper internal firefighter uniform to be able to endure the direct blast. After all, we’re not all designed to be a firefighter, and some may have internal scuba suits to survive deep waters where I might have drowned.
Because we are created differently, it’s important to know who we were created to be…to know your purpose. Like Lucy entering the wardrobe in Chronicles of Narnia and quickly learning to thrive there, the lesson needs to be understood that when Edmund entered the same environment, he quickly fell into traps of temptation.
Your purpose is special, and should not be compared to anyone else’s. Pay attention, don’t be anxious, learn from your mistakes, and don’t beat yourself up. Know your limits and respect that others have theirs too. Don’t tempt others to follow your specific path, and don’t be distracted to follow someone else on theirs.
“However, the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything. He will remind you of everything that I have ever told you.” – John 14:26 (GW)
(Originally posted on Facebook by Steph (Korver) Ford, 01.17.23)