In Rwanda, they burn trash to get rid of it. They do it often and all over the city of Kigali. I got to thinking... it is an interesting irony that something which smells so bad can burn to smell so good and sweet. You rarely take a deep inhale of trash and sigh with satisfaction. But when it is burned, I find myself doing just that.
Jesus is kind of like that same fire for us. We stink horribly in our natural state, and it seems we only get smellier with time. Yet when Jesus, our Refiner's fire, comes in and lights a fire in our hearts, he purifies us. It is a welcomed transformation and we burn sweetly. By His mercy, He burns our old stink and nastiness and we then get the honor of becoming the aroma of Christ, which smells lovely :)
just a thought...
On a less theological/philosophical aspect of stink, how is the weather? It's 150 here I think, and Justin gave me a good little philosophy to use for my body (because we play more than we bathe): "Thank you, I've been working on that odor all day", if someone tells me I stink.You can use it if you want. :-) But, I think you're good and sweeter than most of us....you answered the call to go to Africa! Whatever excuses you might have given yourself for going, it was the Lord who called and you answered, without knowing the reason. Thanks for taking us all on your journey! Love & prayers, Auntie Deb
ReplyDeleteI have been in Our refiners fire....it's a painful process but the rewards are glorious! I love you Tia! xo
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