Center of the Flame

“When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned.”  Isaiah 43:2

"In giving a lecture on flame a scientist once made a most interesting experiment.  He wanted to show that in the center of each flame there is a hollow—a place of entire stillness—around which the fire is a mere wall.  To prove this he introduced into the midst of the flame a minute and carefuly shielded charge of explosive powder.  The protection was then carefully removed and no explosion followed.  A second time the experiment was tried and by a slight agitation of the hand the central security was lost and an immediate explosion was the result.

"Our safety, then, is only in stillness of soul.  If we are affrighted and exchange the principle of faith for that of fear, or if we are rebellious and restless, we shall be burnt by the flames and anguish and disappointment shall be the result.

"Moreover, God will be disappointed in us if we break down.  Testing is the proof of His love and confidence, and who can tell what pleasure our steadfastness and stillness give to Him?  If He allowed us to go without testing it would not be complimentary to our spiritual experience.  Much trial and suffering mean, therefore, that God has confidence in us; that He believes we are strong enough to endure; that we shall be true to Him even when he has left us without outward evidence of His care and seemingly at the mercy of His adversaries.  If He increases the trials instead of diminishing them it is an expression of confidence in us up to the present, and a further proof that He is looking to us to glorify Him in yet hotter fires through which He is calling us to pass. Let us not be afraid!  We shall be delivered from the transitory and the outward and be drawn into closer fellowship with God Himself!"  

--Lettie Cowman

How many times have I forsaken the quiet, still place, let myself get rattled by the circumstances of life or by the unknown ahead or by demands of motherhood, and that little shaking from being centered in Christ caused the explosion?  What good ever came from allowing the slightest variance from clinging to the promises; acknowledging the magnitude of a ruling, loving, providential Father; seeking His glory above my own desires?  How did it ever help my relationships with husband, children, others, to permit "the explosion"?  Life lived in the center of the flame depends on leaning hard into Christ, trusting His Word, being immersed in His promises.  He is the God of the "Yes", remember? (II Cor 1:20)