I was stunned as I watched it creep closer and closer. In moments, visibility dropped to just a few yards. The air reeked of smoke, ruining what had been a perfectly beautiful Montana evening.
The real fire was more than 70 miles away, outside of Missoula. But here in the gorgeous Bitterroot Valley, we know that summer often brings the unexpected—thick smoke that can drift in from fires as far away as Canada or California.
Life is a lot like that. Just as smoke appears without warning, so do troubles. The Bible reminds us that challenges are a normal part of life—but so is God’s faithfulness. He remains our constant source of strength, guidance, and comfort.
Even in trials, He works to bring about good and refine our faith.
Proverbs 19:21 puts it this way: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
And Paul encourages us in 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
So how do we handle life’s unexpected moments? By flipping the script. Praise instead of worry. Joy instead of sorrow. Faith instead of fear. Even the fires of life can forge something good in us.
Like Pat Barrett’s song declares: “I’ve got a fire that will never burn out. I’ve got a song that you can’t turn down. I’ve got a joy deep down in my soul. I’ve got joy and it overflows. Break off the chains let the horses run. Unleash the praise at the top of your lungs...'cause I’ve got a fire that will never burn out. "
That joy isn’t fragile—it’s eternal. And when we hold on to it, the unexpected can no longer shake us.