Week Three/Four

It began with an idea.
Can I gather some wood and make a fire down on the beach by the water?

And so, as twilight falls the gathering begins.

Small dry branches for kindling, larger logs for sustaining the flame.  There is searching, and sawing, and armfuls of dry branches.  First one, then another, asks the lone gatherer, "what are you building?"  


His enthusiasm is contagious.

Now there are two.

Soon dry branches and logs stacked one upon another have caught the attention of everyone in the camp.  Excitement builds.

What it is you are building?
Can we come?
Don't light the fire until we are all there!  

Suddenly the focus has shifted from dry branches to longing hearts seeking for warmth.  Little ones are gathered in arms, families watch together, as a tiny flame flickers and dances next to the waiting wood.  In an instant, from the darkness, there is light.

Here there is warmth.  

Within the gathering, safety.  

Each rescued from the darkness.  

Focused now on the light.

Life has taught me that every rescue must begin as an idea.

  

One heart softened, seeking to bring light to a dark place.  It begins with the searching ––for to kindle a fire one must first gather the wood.  Then, the invitation.  Here there is safety.  Here there is warmth.  Here there is light.

I am certain, at this very moment, there is one who is lonely.  Not too far from here, there is one who waits in darkness.  A life filled with doubt or discouragement.  A soul seeking direction.  Within your circle of influence there is, perhaps, one yearning to be gathered into the safety of your arms, or maybe just the safety of your heart.  

You may not be aware of just who it is that needs your love.  But the Lord is.  He is able to speak to those who approach Him on bended knee, with a willing heart.  What He asks might not be easy.  More often than not a rescue requires work ––gathering, searching, building.  It always requires your heart.

But from a tiny flame, the Lord is capable of creating great light.

His light rescues from the darkness.

"Who is among you...that walketh in darkness, and hath no light?  

let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God."  

(Isaiah 50:10)  

Somewhere within your circle of influence there is a longing heart seeking for warmth.

Ask the Lord for direction.  Open your heart to receive inspiration.  

Then, be willing to extend the invitation that will lead to a rescue.

Here there is warmth.  

Within the gathering, safety.  

Come out from the darkness.  

Focus now on The Light.