When I was a senior in high school, we had a house fire. I was home alone and wanted to start a fire in the fireplace. So, I did what I’d always seen my daddy do. I put the current ashes in a paper sack and set it out in the garage. It didn’t take long for the whole garage to be engulfed in flames. Let me tell you, I will NEVER forget that experience. Obviously, I didn’t know the ashes still had an ember buried somewhere in them!
In many places in the Bible, there were people who, when in mourning, sat in a sackcloth and poured ashes on their heads. I have felt that bad before, but I didn’t put ashes on my head. I think my tears are enough of a show without having to put the ashes on me!
So many times in this world it seems we crash and burn! We have to pull ourselves up from the ashes. We have to find the ember that is still lit within us to rekindle the fire inside ourselves. It can be hard to locate among all the ashes, but if we rely on God and search diligently, He will help us find our ember again and light it for us if needed.
We all go through things that are hard. It is a process to pull ourselves up out of the ashes and relight our fire. Give yourself forgiveness and time. Most of all, rely on God’s help!
Wow, that had to be a terrifying experience! You’ve used it well as an illustration here.