Good morning! Today is Tuesday 8th October 2024, and if you’re anything like me, you might find that the week is still warming up, and your to-do list is already a mile long. But today is also a day with some significant history. On this day, back in 1871, one of the most devastating events in American history began—the Great Chicago Fire. This fire destroyed a large part of Chicago and left many people homeless. However, from the ashes of this disaster, the city was rebuilt stronger than before.
The story of the Great Chicago Fire can remind us of the times in our own lives when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s in those moments that we need to trust God’s timing and His plan, even when it seems like everything is crumbling around us.
Rebuilding with Purpose
In life, we all face moments of destruction, whether it’s the breakdown of relationships, career setbacks, or personal disappointments. But just like Chicago rose from the ashes, God specialises in bringing beauty from the ruins. In Isaiah 61:3, we read about how God provides “a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” Isn’t it incredible that our God can take the most broken parts of our lives and rebuild something even stronger, more beautiful than before?
When life feels like it’s in ruins, we’re often tempted to ask, “Why, Lord?” But the question we should be asking is, “What are You building in me, Lord?” God’s perspective is always greater than ours. While we see destruction, He sees opportunity for transformation. In Romans 8:28, it says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We might not always understand how, but we can be sure that God is working behind the scenes to rebuild us in ways we can’t even imagine.
Trusting God’s Timing
One of the hardest things to do is trust in God’s timing, especially when we’re in the middle of a storm. But God’s timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t happen when we think they should. Maybe you’re praying for a breakthrough in your job, your health, or a relationship, and it just feels like you’re waiting forever. But God is never late—He’s working things out in His perfect timing. Remember that God is both the architect and the builder of our lives, and He knows the right time for everything.
Reflection Verse
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” – Lamentations 3:25
Reflection Question with Action Step
Where are you struggling to trust God’s timing in your life? Take some time today to bring those concerns to Him in prayer. Ask Him to help you trust His process, even when you don’t understand it.
Rising from the Ashes
Much like the city of Chicago after its great fire, we too can rise from the ashes of our own setbacks and challenges. God is a master builder, and nothing is beyond repair when we place it in His hands. It may not happen on our timeline, but we can trust that God is always at work, building something far better than we could have imagined.
If today feels like you’re standing in the middle of your own “fire,” know that God is with you, rebuilding, restoring, and working all things for your good. Take heart, and trust that His timing is perfect.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being with us through the trials and the triumphs. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing, even when we don’t understand what’s happening around us. Lord, we give You our broken pieces, knowing that You are faithful to rebuild and restore. Help us to be patient as You work in our lives, and give us the strength to keep trusting You through every season. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
