When Wind Meets Fire

There’s a moment at the birth of the New Testament church when the believers were together in one place, and scripture says, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.”

Sounds like a sensory overload: A “VIOLENT wind.” I’m picturing hurricane-like winds that showed up out of nowhere. Then, fire suddenly appears in the shape of tongues!?! And the next thing they know they’ve received the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised.

I used to picture this moment as a gentle breeze that came into the room, tenderly blowing the curtain hung in the window. But that’s not what’s depicted in Acts 2.

When God breathed, it shifted everything about their environment, arresting their attention and stirring them to begin speaking in other tongues or languages. This was not a moment that could have been ignored. It couldn’t have been casually experienced. When God speaks, things are set in motion. When He breathes, dry places start teeming with fresh life.

And then came the tongues of fire. Hebrews says, “Our God is a consuming fire.” Not only does He intend to purify and refine us, but He wants to consume every part of us, lighting our way from the inside out so that we know and do what pleases Him.

I want to be someone who welcomes the wind and fire of God in my life, to recognize that until He breathes, there’s no breath in me. And until I’ve allowed Him to totally consume me, I won’t experience a real Holy Spirit-filled life.

Prayer: Lord, I lay down my life on the altar today, emptying myself of ego and self-reliance. Consume me from the inside out. Light up my lungs to sing your praise.

Watch the live video for "When Wind Meets Fire (Chris Brown & Tiffany Hudson)" available now: https://youtu.be/_7Q5d6zvf8Q?si=-ClMjJah9LJ_k9nA