When the Fire Falls
“And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said… Then the fire of the Lord fell.” —1 Kings 18:36, 38 (NKJV)
Most people run from fire. But Elijah came near. He didn’t shrink back in fear—he stepped forward in faith. He approached the altar not because it was easy, but because he trusted the One who answers with power. Elijah positioned himself with confidence, fully expecting the fire of God to fall—not as a threat, but as a sign of His presence.
The Fire That Refines, Not Destroys
So often, we hesitate to draw near to God. We fear what He might ask of us, what He might expose, or what we might have to surrender. But the fire of God is not meant to destroy you—it’s meant to refine you. His presence purifies, yes—but it also empowers. Through the Holy Spirit, the fire that falls is not a consuming judgment, but a living invitation to transformation.
Step into the Fire of His Presence
Don’t run from the flame. Draw near. The Holy Spirit meets you at the altar with power—not to burn you out, but to ignite you from within. God isn’t trying to take something from you; He’s trying to give you something greater. Let the fire fall. Let Him fill you. Step forward, and receive what only His presence can produce.
Closing Prayer
Reflection Questions:
- Have you been hesitant to draw near to God’s refining presence?
- What do you fear the fire might touch?
- How can you position yourself closer to the altar this week?
For more information:
Read: Your West Side Story: https://lisa-schwarz.com/your-west-side-story/
Watch: Your West Side Story Conference: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaMLikcR9YvY8Tn58k1rM-2CxmZzJKvOq&si=LzpCen9CP5c30ybN
