Bonfire

Bundled up in our scarves and hats, my friends and I ventured into the chilly fall night, eagerly excited about the school-wide bonfire in celebration of homecoming weekend. When we saw the smoke rising high into the sky and caught a glimpse of 20-ft flames that seemed to consume half of the soccer field, we gasped with amazement and possibly slight fright. It was certainly the biggest bonfire I have ever seen!

It was so huge that I just had to ask, "How are they containing that thing?"

Once we got closer, we could see that the bonfire was confined in a ditch that runs along the soccer fields. There was no need for our hats and scarves because the warmth from that giant fire could be felt from fifty feet away.

I love the sight of dancing flames, the smell of burning wood, and the atmosphere of excitement that comes with a big bonfire on a cool evening. It reminded me of a Scripture found in Habakkuk 3:2.

"Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds.
Lord, renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy."

The Israelite nation had heard of God's fame and awesome deeds: burning bushes, parting waters, manna from heaven, crumbling walls, falling giants, and triumphant victories over enemies. In this verse, they are praying for an encore. Lord, do it again! Show us your powerful works. Renew them in our day.

This must become our prayer, too. We know God's power; we recognize His ability. We know what He is capable of doing in our age, for our generation. And so we pray with faith for God to intervene and move mountains. We ask for a revival, maybe even a revolution. Renew them in our day.

Light a spark, but don't contain it. We want a bonfire.