The fire represents our faith as God works it in our lives. The oil represents Him working. The water (according to the story) is being poured by the devil. The story is an allegory of the struggle between good and evil for our conscience, our faith, and our very soul.
Today, I was wondering if there can be other water pourers in our lives. The devil is not the only source of discouragement. I find that my job, the kids, and the day-to-day minutia of life act like water on the fire of my faith. This does not mean that I start to believe less in God or Jesus as my savior. However, I start to look away from the cross of Christ and the power of His salvation. My faith that God will really work all things for my good is diminished because I am looking inside myself. I see only failure and find no answers for life's problems.
It is at times like this is when I need to read God's word and let the oil of God strengthen me. I need to believe everything it says. I need to keep my thoughts "in heaven" and off of myself.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." -- Colossians 3:1-3
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