When I was in Grad School, I learned that there is a tree called “Lodge-pole Pine” at the Yellowstone National Park. The pinecones on this tree can remain on it for years. Even when they finally drop off, it is amazing that they remain tightly closed. The only condition under which they are known to open is when they are in contact with intense heat.

Whenever there is a forest fire, and all the trees are being reduced to a heap of ashes, it has been observed that these particular pinecones open in the heat. Thus, they are the first to assist nature in repopulating the woods that have been destroyed. Here we witness the amazing wisdom of God!

In Matt. 5:10 Jesus declared, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness.” Why do you think He said that? Only because there is potential in you that is only released when the heat is on.

Remember Job? We notice that Job discovered this truth when God permitted Satan to test him. He lost all his children, his wealth and his domestic aids, his sheep, his donkeys, etc. In such a plight he also had to endure the scorn of his wife and his so called “friends” on account of his unshakable faith in God. Finally, Job said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You.” (Job 42:5)

Here, we learn it is great to hear of the greatness of God from someone else’s testimony, but quite another matter to experience the unmistakable power of God firsthand. Especially when you are feeling like questioning God saying, “Why God?” “Why me?” “If God is really there, why am I here?” Ever been there? I have! There are two answers to our questions.

a) It is in the fire that you discover new aspects of God’s CARE and CHARACTER.
b) It is in the fire that you discover that at times when others – even your nearest and dearest – abandon you, God remains UNCHANGING and FAITHFUL.

“Often, in the midst of great problems, we stop short of the real blessing God has for us, which is a fresh vision of who He is.” -Anne Graham Lotz

Do you know what turns worthless carbon into precious diamonds? Scientists tell us there are two factors: HEAT plus PRESSURE. Therefore, let us also keep in mind in our own personal lives:

• When the heat is turned up seven times hotter – like in the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
• And when the pressure keeps building up like it did in the Challenger space craft tragedy.

Our anchor is the great faithfulness of our God.