“Fire From Heaven”

I popped the clutch and stalled out the bike.  The wrinkle of worry that had etched itself onto my brow while descending the mountain slowly faded.  I checked behind to confirm the rest of my family had negotiated the trail safely.  The thumping beat of multiple four-stroke engines getting louder announced they had managed it well.  I was, indeed, proud and relieved.  With a weary eye, I scanned the darkening horizon and the boiling rain clouds overhead.  The thunderstorm had grown, and it’s ominous grumblings echoed throughout the valley.  A sigh of relief blew past my lips as I pulled off my helmet.  We had just barely beaten the storm!

From the safety and warmth of a comfortable cabin, I watched Mother Nature’s unbridled power intensify outside.  Then I saw the dipping sun cast a few last rays onto the already dramatic scene.  Suddenly, as if proclaiming a climatic end to the stunning show, the image of “Fire From Heaven” appeared.

There are several instances of fire from heaven in the Bible.  One of those instances involved a fascinating showdown on Mt. Carmel between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal.  (The story is recorded in 1 Kings Chapter 18).

In brief summary, Elijah confronted 850 false prophets and declared that only the God who rains fire down from heaven is the true God.

We quickly learn from the passages of scripture that Baal worship brought nothing but self-inflicted bloody wounds.  It was void, shallow, meaningless, and empty.  In contrast, when Elijah uttered his simple prayer, the fire of the Lord fell!

As the sun collapsed and total darkness slid across the valley, the pelting rain could only be heard tapping the window.  The sound, very apropos for the moment, marched me directly into deep thought.  Could we see a miracle like that in the present?

I am convinced that it is possible, but it will take some committed Elijah-like warriors.  If we truly want to see fire-from-heaven miracles in our lives today, we need to follow Elijah’s example.  Number one; we must come to God on His terms, NOT ours. (I.e. a repentant heart ❤️).  Number two; we must fervently pray!