Murray Meditations: The Day the Fire Raged

Colorado Springs, Colorado June 2012

Man's destiny appears clearly in God's language at creation. It was to fill, to subdue, and to have dominion over the earth and everything in it. 

A. Murray

There is nothing so terrifying as a raging fire blasting through homes as if they were made of paper, destroying everything in its path. The heat and smoke create a surreal landscape of terror. People running for safety, running for dear life, running from horror. Unfortunately, the residents of Colorado Springs know this feeling all too well. Chaos erupted this past week in my neighborhood, as the fire that was lurking behind a ridge took a sudden and swift turn towards our beautiful city. It was as if the hounds of hell had been loosed and were bent on total destruction. I think maybe they were. The battle certainly raged. In those moments, having "dominion over the earth" seemed an absurdity! And yet, that is the plan.

The destinies of the world were given into the power of the wishes, the will, and the prayers of man. 

A. Murray

During these trying times, some people denounced prayer as a useless activity. One newspaper columnist even editorialized about the time and energy that was being wasted in prayer. I respectfully beg to differ. Millions of prayers have been lifted to our Heavenly Father from faithful followers of Christ, seeking His aid in controlling the out-of-control fires that raged and His mercy for those that were part of this devastation. Did they pray in vain? I think not. The hounds are on the run, the fire is 70% contained, many homes and lives have been saved, and our beloved Glen Eyrie has been spared.  Only time will reveal the many thousand acts of heroism. I know that countless people have given their money, their homes, their food and their love to the displaced members of our community. The thousands of firefighters, police officers, soldiers, and first responders have served us well with their selfless, tireless acts of courage and fortitude. Many risked their lives to save others. Satan did not gain a victory over our city, but rather Jesus' love has been spread abroad in many great and small deeds. Is prayer a waste of time? I repeat again, "I think not!"




As image bearer and representative of God on earth, redeemed man will by his prayers determine the history of this earth. 
A. Murray



Oh, dear one, don't give up on prayer. Prayer reaches out to our only source of power. It is our right as God's emissaries here on earth and our privilege as His beloved children to petition him and in so doing, change the pages of history.