Faith in the Flames: Praying for California
- Written from a Christian Worldview
Photo Credit: AP News
My words will feel insufficient to Californians facing the devastation of wildfires. The loss of homes, memories, friends, family, and permanence is an unexpected pain that cuts deeper than the ocean's depth. I can only imagine, through secondhand information, how your world is burning, but it may feel more like the fire is inside you, threatening to consume the very hope you’ve been clinging to.
I acknowledge this: your weight is heavy, and the “why?” question is real. The tears are real, so let them flow. Yet, even in these raw moments, some truths can anchor us. Truths not to dismiss the pain but to walk through it with strength UNFAZED.
Where is God?
It’s okay to scream and question this moment. There is a psalmist in the bible that modeled this countless times. In Psalm 13:1-2, David cries:
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?”
Like many of us, David felt forgotten in his suffering. But he didn’t stop there. He asked God his questions rather than question God because he knew something deeper: God is present. I am sure you may be praying and feel that God is nowhere to be found, but I need you to know He is still present, even when it’s impossible to trace Him.
“Faith begins with honesty before God.” - Brentley Wright
If I have learned anything in my journey with God, I know that if all you can do is cry out, “God, where are You?”—then do it. Honest prayers are compounding acts of faith. They open the door for God to meet you, even in the ashes.
A Little Faith is All You Need
Your faith may feel like you are barely hanging on at this moment. That’s okay. I will keep repeating that it’s okay. Jesus said faith the size of a mustard seed is enough (Matthew 17:20).
Visualize a seed so tiny you can barely see it. That’s all God asks for. I hope you realize that your faith doesn’t have to look bold or unshakable right now. It can look like taking the next step hour by hour, even when terrified, confused, and exhausted.
Finding God in the Ashes
In Isaiah 43:2, God says:
“When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
This verse doesn’t promise that we won’t face fires—it reveals that God is with us in them. As you are fighting for your life and the protection of your family, God is working in ways unfathomable to you right now. Scripture reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He sees you. He grieves with you. He will lift your head.
“God doesn’t always remove the fire, but He always walks us through it.” - Brentley Wright
The aftermath of a wildfire may feel like nothing is left. Yet the ashes are not the end of the story. Fight for your hope. In Isaiah 61:3, God promises to bring “beauty instead of ashes.” This is not Christian jargon—it is a timeless truth about God. He specializes in rebuilding what looks and is destroyed.
Look for the Grace Moments
As the news updates the world, we understand you are in an overwhelming position, but I encourage you to look for the small grace moments. Here are a few starters:
The firefighters risking their lives to save homes and people.
A neighbor lending a hand.
A friend sending a kind word.
Rescue and support organizations flying in to meet the pressing need.
Governmental support.
Prayers sent from the four corners of the world.
These are glimpses of God’s care breaking through the wildfire chaos.
Don’t Limit Your Prayers
Whisper in your heart to God for what you need. If it’s strength for the next hour, pray for it. You don’t have to muster up heroic prayers. I teach my sons that a simple “God, help me” is enough.
Let’s hold on together.
Of Grace,
-BW