From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

So many Christians feel like they are far from God because they don’t feel the thrill or ecstasy of past moments. Well, be careful friend—a relationship with God is not all mountaintops, there are many valleys, too. Just like in a long-standing, faithful marriage—it may start out as a roaring bonfire on the beach, but eventually settles into a warm and comforting fireplace with glowing embers.

God is steady, worthy, perfect, pure and totally unchangingly dependable. We are the ones who vacillate and wobble. Have no fear—whether you “feel” the roar of His bonfire or the warm comfort of His embers, know that God is with you and will play out His plan for you, whether you “feel” it or not.

There are many spiritual forces that try to throw cold water on the roaring fire or the smoldering embers to try to diminish God’s presence and purpose in your life. Call out on Jesus to protect you at those times and stop trying to figure Him out, for He is wrapped in mystery and paradox beyond our understanding. Hindsight is 20/20, they say. But don’t spend your time looking back, look forward to the riches and treasures that yet await you here in His presence and beyond in eternity. Endure the fire—it’s producing pure gold!

---