For the past week, we were warned of fire danger from the high winds and “perfect” conditions for fires to spark and spread on Friday. Wind predictions were over 50mph, getting up to like-tornado wind speeds.

The anxiety didn’t hit until Thursday night when the news I was trying not to listen to was providing somewhat of a checklist – what to do if you have to evacuate, things to keep an eye on or move so nothing sparks, and possible impacts to us. Fire is a trigger for me and always has been. I would rather have rain and storms than fire danger. I got over my storm anxiety and here I am thrust into fire anxiety.

I was in the middle of trying to get my mind off of the wind outside when I was hit with the thought that we’re given warnings in the Bible, too. Revelation specifically gives us warnings (some with fire), and these bring anxiety and fear in many people. The end times can be a time of fear. The battles being fought and the destruction that will occur. The impacts to markets is also concerning because we’re heading that direction now. As Christians, we’re protected from the eternal death that awaits those who don’t turn to God in the final days.

How do we respond to the warnings provided to us? Are we building anxiety or building up a reservoir of hope?

Though we made it through the fire danger that impacted our state of OK, many people had their homes burned to the ground leaving them without a home. It’s so devastating to have seen and heard about. Please include these communities in your prayers.