Restoring RelationshipsSýnishorn

Day 2: The Two Fires of Conflict

Devotional:
Every conflict we face offers two distinct paths, like two fires. One is destructive: the Wildfire. Like the hikers at Mount Vision who thought their fire was safely extinguished, conflict can seem buried and harmless until it resurfaces with devastating consequences. This kind of conflict often starts in secret places—hurt feelings, misunderstood motives, or private offenses. No one sees the smoke until it’s too late and the damage has begun. The Wildfire represents conflict left unchecked, fueled by anger, pride, or fear, and it leaves scorched relationships in its path.

But there's another fire—the Peacefire—and it represents God’s presence in the heat of conflict. In Daniel 3, three young men stood firm in faith and were thrown into a blazing furnace for refusing to worship a false god. Yet they were not alone. A fourth man, whom the king described as “like a son of the gods,” was in the fire with them. That presence changed everything. The fire didn’t consume them; it became a place of promotion, purpose, and peace. As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the fourth man in our fires. Not only is He with us—He lives within us through the Holy Spirit. When we respond to conflict with trust in Him and a curiosity to learn, love, and restore, even a fire of conflict can become a place of God’s peace and power.

Reflection Question:
In the conflicts you face today, are you feeding a Wildfire or stepping into the Peacefire? Where might God be inviting you to trust His presence in the heat?

Prayer:
Jesus, You are the fourth man in my fire. When conflict rages, help me resist the destructive path of pride and retribution. Teach me to be curious, patient, and grounded in You. Thank You for turning even painful moments into places of peace, purpose, and transformation. Amen.