"From The Frying Pan, Into The Fire"

"...a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him..." Amos 5:19 

Are you familiar with the expression, "Out of the frying pan and into the fire"? It seems as if we don't get out of one situation before we are met with another-- sometimes seemingly worse. Well, as a matter of fact, life is often like that. Usually there is some situation we are trying to leave behind us, but another one awaits us. We make it out of one trial, and we find ourselves in another one. This happened often in the Bible.

 

While Jacob was leaving his lying, manipulating, Uncle Laban who was using him, he got word that his brother Esau was coming to meet him-- the same brother he stole the birthright from. (From the frying pan into the fire.) The children on Israel left the slavery of Egypt behind them and ran into a "roadblock" in front of them that threatened to drown them- the Red Sea. (From the frying pan into the fire.) Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife and her advancements only to face prison. (He got out of the frying pan and wound up in the fire.)

 

Often though, the "fire" that we are heading into is not as destructive or devastating as we think it is. Look again at the three examples above. When Jacob did meet Esau instead of a battle, healing and reconciliation came between them. (Genesis 33) When the Israelites faced the Red Sea they weren't destroyed, instead it was there final deliverance from the Egyptians. (Exodus 14) When Joseph wound up in prison, it was the place that put him in position to enter the palace and fulfill his destiny. (Genesis 41) 

 

In each of these examples we also see a common thread-- God was with them moving and working on their behalf. If you feel as though you have made it "out of the frying pan" but are now facing the "fire", don't be afraid, the Lord is with you, and He is working on your behalf as well. He is working all things together for your good-- including the frying pan and the fire. It may look like destruction, but it may also be the very avenue to blessings, restoration, healing and the fulfillment of God's plan for your life.

 

Have a great day. When we get out of the "frying pan", there is often a "fire" that awaits us. But don't fear because the "fire" is often taking you into a blessing. 

 

For further reading:

Romans 8:28