They say that after a tragedy comes triumph, or after a rainy day, comes a bright and sunny day.” I guess that gives us hope when we think about how dark the days might be at times. The Apostle Paul said it this way, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Rom 8:18 According to National Geographic they say that, “On average, more than 100,000 wildfires, also called wild land fires or forest fires, clear 4 million to 5 million acres of land in the U.S. every year. In recent years, wildfires have burned up to 9 million acres of land. A wildfire moves at speeds of up to 14 miles an hour consuming everything—trees, brush, homes, even humans—in its path.” This sounds terrible and I suppose anyone who has ever had their home burned down, or have known someone who has would find it very difficult to find some good out of this tragedy. But they say that, “Although wild fires are often harmful and destructive to humans, naturally occurring wildfires play an integral role in nature. They return nutrients to the soil by burning dead or decaying matter. They also act as a disinfectant, removing disease-ridden plants and harmful insects from a forest ecosystem. And by burning through thick canopies and brushy undergrowth, wildfires allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, enabling a new generation of seedlings to grow.” In other words fires serve their purpose. Storms have a reason. God always has a greater purpose doesn’t He?