In May 1962 in a distant field outside the small town of Centralia, Pennsylvania some men were clearing brush and debris. After they pushed it to one side, as is done on most farms, they set fire to the pile. A small part of the brush fell into a hole and lit some coal dust on fire. They covered up the hole with dirt and that seemed to be the end of the problem.
What they didn’t know was that under the surface, right below their feet, more coal in deeper veins was catching fire.
In August 1981, 19 years later, 12-year-old Todd Demboski was playing with friends and the earth cracked open under his feet. He fell into a hole of steaming mud – his friends barely rescued him from death. The holes began to crack open across the small town.
Today that charming little town is a ghost town. The fire that was covered with dirt is still burning for miles underground … it’s estimated it will burn for another 250 years.
They covered it up. They thought it was ok. It was on fire. Right below their feet.
What they covered up killed their town. What they covered up destroyed them. What they didn’t realize is that the fire wasn’t contained. They couldn’t see it for decades – then it swallowed them.
There’s a fire below our feet – it’s the steady destruction of the family, the emasculation of manhood, the compromise of the casual, the erosion of truth and righteousness.
We need to fight for our hearts. For our families. For our spiritual health.
Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you”.
What they didn’t see destroyed their city.
UNCOVER the enemy and fight. Be vigilant. Be strong and be awake. Christ is victorious!
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” John 16:33 AMPC
