In science, there are 3 things needed to start a fire and sustain it, they are called the fire triangle (or combustion triangle) they include:
- Heat Source
- Fuel
- Oxygen
A source of heat is required in order for ignition to occur examples include friction, as in case of matche or heating an electrical wire.
Now, heat may start the fire but the fire won’t last except there’s fuel. A fire cannot begin if there is no material to burn. Fuel are flammable materials, such as paper, oil, wood and fabrics. Once this is in place the fire burns but still may not last.
There is a need for Oxygen. To sustain the combustion reaction, oxygen (or an oxidising agent) is needed, as it reacts with the burning fuel to release heat and CO2.
Spiritually speaking, the heat source is God. He is the fire ignition and has put different heat sources in place to light us up. Sometimes he does this as we wait on him and consecrate ourselves unto him in the place of prayer; at other times he brings us into an atmosphere where we can experience a spark (a church service, a conference or even a small meeting of friends).
God ignites the fire through different avenues but although this fire is ignited there’s a need for fuel and we are supposed to be that fuel. We are the channels through which the ignited fire spreads to consume every work of darkness but when we make ourselves unavailable we won’t see any manifestation of fire not because it hasn’t been ignited but because the fuel to express the ignition is absent. This is what Paul talked about in 2 Timothy 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.“
Sometimes, the fuel is available and the fire burns but only for a moment because it lacks oxygen to fan it into flame continuously.
So how do we fan the fire into flames? Interestingly, Just as God is the one who ignites, he also provides the Oxygen through his Holy Spirit. This Spirit however is such a gentle Spirit, he forces no one to do anything but seeks our cooperation. How can we partner with this Spirit? – by the Word of God and Prayer. I know that sounds simple and you’re probably tired of hearing it. I know, and i really wish i can tell you there’s something else but there is none, everything rises and falls on these two actions -giving ourselves to the word and prayer.
One of the things that will happen as a result of continuous life of prayer is that our zeal for God will be stirred up. Romans 12:11-13 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
So, it looks to me that we are in the middle of this fire quadrant, we are the wood! God is always ready to ignite but are you ready to burn. His Holy Spirit is available to breathe upon making our fire into flames but are we ready to partner with him.
If he provides the fire, will you provide the sacrifice? If he pour out his spirit, will you open up your heart? God is ready to fill you right now, the question is if you’re empty for him.
