Fire Bloom

A Lesson Learned: by Robin Thomas

In 1977, when I was a kid, there was a terrible fire on Mt. Diablo.

I remember how frightening it was when we were packing up the car with our treasures, just in case. Horses were turned out in random pastures to get them away from the fire. People were watering down their rooves so that falling ash wouldn’t ignite. It left quite an impression.

The fire burned over 6000 acres on the mountain, but not long after, flowers were being seen on Mt. Diablo that hadn’t been spotted in 46 years, since the fire of 1931!

These “fire followers” have fire germinated seeds that need the absolute right conditions of “heat, smoke, and ash to cause the flowers’ dormant seeds to burst open.”1

I think it’s that way with some people coming to Christ. We plant the seeds of the gospel in their minds, but it takes “the absolute right conditions” for the bloom of salvation. It may be years and years later, and it might take devastation and loss, but when the conditions are right they bloom.

I have so many friends that are praying for family and friends to receive salvation. Take heart, the bloom is coming; the seed has been planted, and the prayer has been watering it and keeping it safe until the conditions are right for them to understand the gift of the gospel.

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”I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them… This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” (I Tim 2:1-3, 4 NLT)

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:1-3 NLT)

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So keep praying through the fire and wait for the bloom!

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1 Kevin Fagan, SFGate.com, May 14, 2014.