Dear Friends,
You may have heard what happened this past week, but I would like to share my own perspective. Batya and I had a night that we will never forget.
A wildfire broke out near our home. It was serious, and could have cost us our lives. As the fire brigade and emergency personnel began to pack up, the fire chief told me that if five more minutes had gone by, our house would have been destroyed. That fact has been haunting me ever since, and inspired me to detail our story for you.
We were watching “Twelve Angry Men,” and were nearing the iconic end when Batya said, “Something is burning!” Once she said something, I began to smell the smoke, and it seemed to be entering our house. We quickly walked out the front door and saw a glow and flames just next to our home in the hills of Jerusalem. I ran down to see what was going on and I was the fourth person to arrive on the scene.
As we watched, the flames exploded and the sparks and embers flew through the air. Someone brought a bucket of water, but it was useless. The flames engulfed all of the trees and bushes and began to spread. After months of viewing news reports about the fires in the USA, Siberia, Greece and Turkey, I knew that we could easily lose everything. Thankfully for us, our home, and the second home being threatened, housed Jewish believers. God’s angels must have been watching over us.
Fortunately, the fire brigade showed up just in time. Though it seemed like forever, they were committed to extinguish the fires and save our homes. Several thoughts went through my mind as we waited for the firefighters to come, and for safety to return.
First, of course, we called upon the Body of Messiah for prayer.
Then, earthly concerns came to my mind. We were told to evacuate, so I ran back into our home to take what little I could with me in a backpack. I grabbed three laptops, our mobile phones, passports, credit cards and my best acoustic guitar. Then I ran to meet up with Batya. Once I calmed down and caught my breath, I was able to think a little more clearly.
The fact is, all the material goods in the world mean very little. They can be gone in an instant. What matters most is human life, our families, and our faith in Him to pull us through the hard times.
“When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2b
Now herein is a great promise.
During this tragedy, I thought of the thousands who have lost homes and businesses due to fires. When I meditated on how the Lord protects His children, I had absolute peace. Truthfully, I don’t think I was ever scared. I know that the Lord was with me, and His desires will always prevail. Our Lord protects us, no matter how scared or unsure we may feel. He comes to us in the form of firefighters, helpful neighbors, and prayers from friends. He is always with us, and He always leads the way.
This fire is a personal testimony of His grace and power.
From the hills of Jerusalem,
Barry
P.S. For those of you who knew what was happening as it unfolded, thank you for your prayers. They were surely answered.
