When I first saw the fire, I felt nothing. In fact, I don’t ever remember an emotional reaction at all until 3 days later. Instead, my mind was racing as what to do and what all would need to be done. Even standing barefooted in the dark outside of our apartment without a clue to the extent of the damage, I was focusing on what I needed to do. This is apparently my crisis mode. It was easy to be upbeat about the situation, because I love to do.

The next several days were spent trying to pick up the pieces. We found that almost everything was salvagable, but there was a lot of work to do to get everything moved to our new apartment. I found myself occasionally being frusterated by different aspects of the situation, but it was relatively easy to stay energized and active.

The following Sunday, I finally cried. I was already amazed with the way God has provided through His church for us and our needs, but I would still be blown away the next day. His provision and care was more real to me then than it has been at any other point in my life.

Monday we received blessing after blessing. I think I counted at least 7 major ones in my journal that night. It was overwhelming to see one need after another taken care of until they all were met. I know that one reason God waited to give them to us until 4 days later was so that we would have 4 days of awareness of our utter dependence on Him.

I found it much easier to give praise to God in those first few days after the fire, even when I didn’t know how everything would work out, than I have in the last week. It seems easier to trust God, praise God, look to God when I’m reminded the answers aren’t in myself.

The last couple of days I’ve noticed this inward focus and have made more of a conscious effort to work on my spiritual life. It’s not about trying to earn merit, but seeking to put myself in appropriate relationship with God. I need Him now, not just when my things are a mess. He is THE reason for everything.

Thank God for the blessings, both big and small. Thank God that He not only has provided for my life on earth, but for my life forever. He has provided a way for me, a vile sinner, to escape the just punishment of eternal hell. He has done this through the death of His sinless Son, Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to demonstrate God’s love towards us by dying on the cross in our place.

By trusting in Christ, I am no longer a slave to sin. Instead, I get the immense pleasure of serving the One who loves me and helps me, both now and forever. But it’s not just me–God offers the same gift to all men, women, and children on the earth, regardless of their background. The Bible tells us that God showed us His love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were sinners. There is no sin too horrible to keep you from that love unless you choose to let it. God is offering you a gift, but the question is whether or not you will take it. Will you?

I’m praying that God can use my story to bring others to know Him and trust Him more. If you have any questions, feel free to email me: ignoranthistorian (at) gmail (dot) com.