Flameproof

In a Nov. 23, 2023 article, Jonathon Ramsey reports the following: There's been quite some noise from our online neighbors in the past few days thanks to a Kia Sorento, a fire, a Stanley thermal mug, and a magnanimous offer. TikTok user Danielle, who goes by danimarielettering, had her Kia Sorento catch on fire recently. From the looks of her video taken after the fire, it appears only the forward and upper portions of the SUV caught the worst of the flames... As she approaches the wreck and reaches in, she says, "Everybody’s so concerned about if the Stanley spills, but what about if it melts?" Then she grabs the Stanley thermos in the cupholder and shakes it. "Fire yesterday," she says. "Still has ice in it." Danielle captioned the vid with, "Thirsty after you catch on fire? @Stanley1913 is like no problem i gotchu."  That hit the "VIRAL!" button and the horde came clicking with nearly 84 million views and 60,000 comments at the time of writing.* Kudos to the Stanley company for manufacturing a quality product that can beat the heat!

As I read the story, I got to thinking about how followers of Christ are also flame resistant. In fact, heat can actually make us stronger. The apostle Peter had some things to say about this early in his first letter to believers who were experiencing the fires of persecution: “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 1:6–7; cf 4:12).

For believers, heat doesn’t mean defeat. Instead, fiery trials can be used by God to test our faith -- to refine us and make us stronger (cf. James 1:3). Our faith can make us flameproof.

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.autoblog.com/features/stanley-mug-survives-a-car-fire-so-stanley-replaces-both-mug-and-car