8-10 "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."
Hebrews 11:8-10 (NIV)
Let’s recap: “The Rule of Threes” survival principle states that a human can only last three hours without shelter, three days without water and three weeks without food. But I think we need to take a look at one more valuable resource that certainly is necessary for our “Great Camping Expedition” – fire.
On every survival show I’ve seen, fire is essential. Fire is invaluable because it’s used in conjunction with the other resources, like boiling water for safe drinking, cooking food, lighting and warming the shelter for increased protection and comfort.
Therefore, fire-making is a much coveted skill! From what I’ve learned by watching reality TV, starting a fire is really difficult, and you need the right materials to not only make fire, but to keep it burning too.
Throughout Scripture, fire signifies the presence of God or the Holy Spirit. Bear with me while I make one more spiritual analogy.
In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist says, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Athlete, as gifted and talented as you are, you can’t start this spiritual fire. God is the master fire-starter, and He purposefully sparked the tinder of your hearts, setting you ablaze with Holy Spirit fire. This fire is the energy source of your life in Christ (Romans 8:9-11).
Not only does God start the fire in us spiritually, which signifies our rebirth, but He promises to keep the fire going. In 2 Corinthians 1:21,22 (NASB) it says, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”
We are to burn with the warmth and light of God’s Spirit, and the kindling that fuels this ongoing bonfire is us. Romans 12:1,2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”
We are called and enabled daily to offer our lives on God’s altar.
Survivors, as you embark on the “Great Camping Expedition,” you can be confident that you have instant access to all the necessary resources for your adventure.
Here is your spiritual checklist:
- Shelter – Pitch your tent in the center of God’s will (Luke 10:27).
- Water – Drink deeply from the fountain of life, Jesus, who is God’s Son (John 4:13).
- Food – Feast on the supernatural nourishment of God’s Word (Deuteronomy 8:3).
- Fire – Be a human torch, illuminate the darkest wilderness with Holy Spirit fire, God’s gift (Romans 12:1,2).
A prayer to consider: Lord, give me faith like Abraham so that I may obey your calling on my life. Let the adventure begin!
