Getting Wrecked by and for God—for GoodExemplo

  

Receiving His Baptism of Fire

Fire is a common metaphor in Scripture for God’s sometimes unpleasant but nevertheless helpful work that brings true transformation. We need not worry or be fearful. It is safe for each of us to be wrecked by and for God. He truly walks through the fire with us. This has been a tough lesson for me to learn and live. I discovered that I had to remain constantly aware of the success of Jesus’ finished work, the indwelling power of the Spirit, my indissoluble union with God and the unfailing love of the Father for me while I was in the fire. I continue to “learn and burn.” Yet I am thankful that the One who baptizes with fire is the One who lives in me and you.

I received a recent baptism with fire as I knelt in my home office. There was such a sweet, strong sense of God’s presence. As I worshiped, He spoke these words: I’m giving you a new baptism, a baptism of fire. I was familiar with the phrase and concept baptism of fire. This was sometimes preached and prayed for as the fire of God coming into our lives—an impartation from the Holy Spirit of fresh energy and increased empowerment to pray for the sick and move in the spiritual gifts. 

He continued, This is not what you think. This baptism of fire is My consuming fire, to bring true transformation in all of your life.

I had struggled with some despair over the bad fruit of anger, impatience and jealousy in my life and had recently journaled about it. That is what the Spirit pointed out to me. He told me I have chaff in my life. I have unfruitful branches.

He went on, Dianne, this is a fire—a baptism of fire—to burn all chaff or all branches that are not producing fruit in your life. This is for further transformation as we live in union with one another. It was the Spirit’s personal invitation to a present bonfire, not a future hellfire.

Hence the invitation to you to a bonfire—your own personal campfire with God, where He frees you from any dry, dead or distracting wood, hay or stubble. This is His fire to consume the chaff that hinders you from living in the reality of who Jesus has already declared you to be.

Ponder: What has been your experience of the Father’s discipline? 

Prayer: Father, I invite You to prune the unfruitful branches in my life, even though it hurts at times, so I may bear abundant fruit and reflect Your life in me. Please “wreck” me for good. Please wreck me for You, God.

 We adapted this plan from another resource. Learn more at Baker Publishing Group.