Having been a firefighter for 24 years, Benny knew what to expect when we got to Jim’s after he called and said his house had burned down. I was not prepared for the scene ahead of us when we pulled up. I’ve never seen a home completely and utterly destroyed like his was. Jim and most of his fur-babies escaped unharmed, and by the time we arrived, there were already others from our church family and close neighbor friends there to support him. The Muleshoe and Sudan fire departments were also doing all they could to help stop the devastation.
Three days have passed now, and I want to share what God has done for Jim through this tragedy…
Friday, I sent out a message regarding our friend and church member’s house burning down to those on my verse list trying to get the word out. In the aftermath, Jim has felt a tsunami of love and support from not just our little church, but other churches, friends, family, and complete strangers. He has felt the prayers and been reminded that good people still exist. Our community has pulled together to support and rally behind a quiet man who is usually in the background. Not only has Jim received the love of God this weekend, but so has our little Circleback family. It is a privilege to be a part of this community and a part of God’s kingdom. Jim has literally received support from the east coast to the west coast in the span of a few hours. God also provided a cute little travel trailer to keep Jim and his fur-babies safe and protected in the days to come.
I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all who have prayed, donated, and loved on Jim through this devastating time…THANK YOU!
**And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
God did not start this fire, but He is using it for His glory. This has been heart wrenching for Jim, but the support he has received has been phenomenal. God has used this tragedy to remind all of us of how deep His love runs and how He uses His people to accomplish His work. Jim has been overwhelmed by the generosity shown to him during this time.
So today I just want to focus on being thankful…
~ I am thankful for Jim and what a blessing he has been since he moved here and joined our Circleback “tribe.”
~ I am thankful Jim and most of his fur-babies escaped the fire and were safe.
~ I am thankful for our Circleback family and that God is allowing us to walk through this with Jim.
~ I am thankful for the open hands and generous hearts of people who may or may not know Jim that have prayed, donated, and shown up to help without expecting anything in return.
~ Last but not least, I am thankful that God is faithful. He does not leave us or forsake us no matter how bad things get. He does not allow us walk life alone either. He never changes and He never will, and His mercies are new every morning.
**“O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You; I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” Isaiah 25:1
LORD, today I ask that Jim will feel Your presence as close as his next breath. In days to come while he sifts through the ashes, give him extra strength, comfort, and peace. Draw close and remind him that he does not walk this alone. Allow us as Your body of believers to stand with him and continue to support him as he moves forward and tries to form a plan to proceed from here. Thank You for our little Circleback family, our precious community, and for the generosity of all who have prayed, given, and supported Jim. Thank You for answering prayers lifted on Jim’s behalf. Thank You for continued blessings and kisses from the King in Jim’s future. Lead, guide, and direct him in the days to come. Thank You for bringing beauty in the ashes, LORD. Amen
**And provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. Isaiah 61:3
BEAUTY FOR ASHES
ON THE PORCH 