Wilderness Survival GuideSample

SURVIVAL TIP #4 — BUILD A FIRE

Another priority for physical survival in the desert is building a fire. The fire’s heat can dry clothes and keep the body warm in cold conditions. It can also purify water, and its warmth and light give comfort and restore confidence. 

We need these advantages of fire for our spiritual lives also. Wilderness seasons make us vulnerable to negative attitudes. Sorrow, anger, and disillusionment can blind us to the hope of the Lord’s faithfulness. God’s fire consumes these dangers —but what is God’s “fire” for a personal desert? It is passionate, sacrificial worship. 

Trials or dry spells are not the times to allow the flames of devotion to cool down, those are the times to burn the brightest. Whole-hearted, sacrificial worship is what keeps our gaze fixed on the beauty and truth of Jesus Christ during difficult times. It keeps our hearts ablaze with love and adoration. That is the fire that keeps sorrow, anger, and disillusionment out of our hearts. 

It’s important to remember, however, that Israel did not start its own fire in their desert wanderings. Fire came out from the Lord’s presence for their altar, and He must ignite the flames in our hearts just the same. He already gave us the Holy Spirit when we were born again. The Lord Jesus then baptizes us in the Holy Spirit by grace. The spirit of worship comes from God as a gift. Yet it is our job to keep that fire burning.