In June
2012, the Waldo Canyon fire destroyed 346 homes in Colorado Springs, Colorado,
and burned more than 18,000 acres of mountain forest. The fire was declared
100-percent contained when perimeter lines had been built around the entire
area of the blaze. It had been confined to a defined area until it could be fully
extinguished. A fire information official warned residents that they might
continue to see smoke in the burn area because even though the fire was fully
contained it “is not controlled and it is not out.”
When our
world is rocked by tragic events and evil acts, we long for the day when evil
will finally be destroyed and God will bring history to a close and fully
establish His kingdom. Until that time, however, the Lord gives us His grace to
live purposeful lives of faith as we await His coming. In Hebrews 10, we are
urged to draw near to God with sincere hearts (v.22); hold fast to the hope we
profess (v.23); spur each other on to love and good works (v.24); and continue
meeting together for encouragement “and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”
(v.25).
Until the time God extinguishes the fires of evil forever, He gives us His grace and strength to endure the trials of life as we look forward to His return.
