When Firewood Is a Reason to Praise

Because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross we are new creatures—a royal priesthood—the old things have passed away and behold all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). We aren’t left alone on this ground to walk aimlessly without direction, but instead God’s Word and His Holy Spirit guide us in the ways we should go (Psalm 32:8, 119:105).

Sanctification is so beautiful. A man walked a long way to carry this firewood for us this morning. He said, “Oh, I had pity for you because there are few trees for firewood near your home and so I brought this firewood for you.” My heart did a skip. How sweet, how kind, and how thoughtful this gesture was to me. This man’s life didn’t drastically change when he heard the gospel. Even though he had been given responsibility as a hamlet leader and had access to hear the lessons multiple times each day, it just didn’t ring clear in his mind. The light of the gospel didn’t shine right away in his insides, but eventually it did. Over the years we have seen a change, slow and steady.

For the people here, firewood is an important part of each day’s existence; without it, you cannot cook or sleep warm. This wood shows sacrifice and life—a new life. I praise Yahweh for the work He does in my life and the lives of those from every people group, every nation, and every language (Revelation 7:9), for those I love and those I have not yet had an opportunity to love. One day around the throne we will all be gathered and with one voice we shall declare, “Hallelujah! For Yahweh our God, the Almighty reigns!” (Revelation 19:6).