October 2026: Mission Musings

Step Into the Fire

My Dearest Child,

I perceive beyond what you can see.

You see a fire that offers no welcomed warmth. Flames tickling their devouring flames closer to your edges, your heart lunges in retreat. Nothing about this fire invites intimacy; every heat-tinged sense tells you to withdraw.

But I see more.

I see faux flames licking at your identity, wiping away any truth I’ve spoken into the deep of your soul. Asking you to reconsider your worth, your belonging, your wavering love. Whispers on repeat in your head of things spoken that rattled you, convincing you to run away.

You don’t see me.

You do not see that stepping into the flames that flesh flees is what I need you to do. You cannot perceive that it’s in the heart of the fire where you’ll find me, where I’ll be closer than the air you breathe. Where I’ll give you a new name, a new identity. One that reflects me.

You see, there is another in the fire; His name is Jesus, my one and only begotten Son.

Do you know Him? Do you hear him calling your name? Can you not perceive it? He’s beckoning you toward a new thing. You need only to step into the fire. No fear. Only faith. Will you take a step?

Cheering you on,

Abba

“Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” Bishop Hugh Latimer to Reformer Nicholas Ridley, October 16, 1555, as they were burned at the stake for their faith.

I don’t know what fire you’re currently facing, but I surmise your flesh wants to flee. I cannot make you take the step further into the refining fires. As much as I pray and yearn for it, you alone can choose.

Choose wisely. Much is at stake, no pun intended.