{"id":23710,"date":"2018-08-17T03:30:34","date_gmt":"2018-08-17T10:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=23710"},"modified":"2018-08-16T09:06:38","modified_gmt":"2018-08-16T16:06:38","slug":"august-17-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2018\/08\/17\/august-17-2018\/","title":{"rendered":"August 17, 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u201c\u2026but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.\u201d <\/em>1 Kings 19:12<\/p>\n

Fiery Trial<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The recent Carr fire has taken us all aback. It was unplanned, unexpected, and in some ways, unprecedented. This fire was fierce, fast-moving, and unpredictable. For days we were powerless before its death and destruction. Our helplessness arrived in dread and flight and fear. Here was something dangerous and uncontrollable. We fled our homes and abandoned our possessions.<\/p>\n

For me the unsettling experience confirmed truths that I had held sacred for many years. It quickly became clear to me what was truly essential and what was material, replaceable, mere tools of comfort and practicality. \u00a0I had quickly assembled emblems of past memories and tokens of history and spiritual legacy. Some of us did not have even this luxury of time to grab up what mattered most. The essence of who I was and the crux of my life was carefully tucked into the back seat of the car. As I walked out the door, I willingly and confidently left behind the material things of this life. My God was enough. The rest were just details.<\/p>\n

I was securely surrounded by those I loved, the gifts God had entrusted to me. Overriding the taste of fear and the menacing anxiety of smelling the smoke, seeing the encroaching flames, and amid the scurry and panic of neighbors, was the inexplicable peace and presence of God. He was the superseding force at my core. It would be all right because He had me.<\/p>\n

Later in a safe sanctuary we discussed what if it all goes up in flame. Even the worst case scenario was nothing that God could not handle. He transcends all else. Yes, there could be loss.\u00a0Yes, there may be heartbreaking grief. The pain is real, but God is still near and is still able to keep His promises. All of them. He is bigger.\u00a0He is stronger.\u00a0For me in those moments of crisis, He was the final reality. Nothing\u00a0<\/em>can touch the holy and eternal relationship between God and those He loves.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather, Redding has suffered loss\u2014loss of homes, loss of possessions, and loss of life. We do not take these things lightly. And yet, so much and so many have been saved, delivered, rescued, fed, and sheltered. You have strengthened the truth of \u201clove your neighbor as yourself\u201d in our community. May we mourn with those who mourn and laugh with those who laugh. May we be Your hands and feet in the months to come. Refresh us by Your Spirit to come alongside those who are hurting and be the reflection of Your love. After the fire, may we hear Your still small voice and obey. In the name of Jesus, Amen.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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