“Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man’s behalf!” (Psalm 66:5 NKJV)
“Come and listen, (…); let me tell you what God has done for me.” (Psalm 66:16 NKJV)
Inspirational Bible verses with inspirational words and meaningful quotes can help any Christian who’s experienced a house fire or other emergency, by providing the words needed to share their testimony.
On May 10, 2013, as Steve and I relaxed in our living room, I smelled smoke. Trying to locate the source, I looked around but couldn’t see anything. Suddenly, hearing “zzzt, zzzt” sounds, I carefully examined a nearby lamp and its electrical connections.
Suddenly we were startled by loud jolt of electricity! Steve isolated the sound to a light fixture on the ceiling in our hallway. Seeing the light was out, Steve tried to open the cover but it was too hot! After retrieving an oven mitt, he pulled the cover down, and we looked inside. Steve saw a small flame burning above the fixture; I saw red, glowing light around the edges. Not knowing what to do, Steve dialed 911.
The 911 operator asked questions, then, told us to get out everyone out of the house. Steve put our dog, Skippy, in the back yard, and we quickly walked out the front door. As I stepped off our porch, I heard someone ask, “Do you need help?” I looked up and saw two bicycle-policemen, who noticed the smoke as they were patrolling the area.
“I think I can make it,” I replied. Then the policemen confirmed that everyone was out of the house, they asked a few questions, and directed us away from danger. Within three minutes, two fire trucks, two patrol cars and an EMT vehicle arrived. I was amazed at how God provides, and how quickly they responded!
I sat on a curb watching smoke roll out of our attic. Steve stood, speaking to our neighbor, who later called some of our church-friends. Shortly afterwards, our friend appeared and offered us help and a place to stay.
Soon firemen climbed a ladder, looked into our attic, and discovered fire in the insulation. They sprayed chemicals to put the fire out. Meanwhile an excessive amount of blown-in insulation suffocated the fire, keeping it from spreading.
Next, firemen went inside, removed pictures from the walls, and laid a tarp on the floor. Then they cut a hole in the ceiling and pulled the burning insulation down onto the tarp. Finally, they carried it outside and hosed it down. Soon the fire was out! Our home was still standing, with only minimal damage!
Because of smoke, strewn insulation, and mess, the firemen recommended we stay somewhere else that night. Thankfully, we had arrangements with our friends. The firemen waited while we packed our bags, but soon received another call and had to leave. Yet one fireman wanted return to shut our power off until it was checked out. Agreeing, we left our door unlocked, retrieved Skippy, and walked to our friend’s home.
The next morning, upon arriving home, I called our insurance company. While waiting, and assessing, we began picking up the mess. That afternoon, we received a check–just in time to cover our expenses for another day. Soon our insurance representative called, and he met with us the following day.
Our insurance paid for two more hotel nights while an electrician checked our power and the crew worked, replacing insulation, staining burnt wood, and cleaning. Soon we came home, even while workers finished their repairs.
One day the adjuster said our 1970’s carpet was burned and needed replaced. I had wanted to replace that carpet for years! Through our insurance, God provided new flooring, and we didn’t have to move furniture. One day, men moved our furnishings into a rental truck, and tore out the old carpet. The next day they installed the flooring. By 9:30 a.m. the following day, our furnishings were back—on beautiful new flooring!
We could have lost everything! Yet, God intervened. As each need came, God met it! Though the food in our freezer and refrigerator was discarded, the insurance reimbursed us. Meanwhile our church, the mission, and the food bank provided. Our insurance provided three hotel nights, meals out, repair of an existing light, new light fixtures and paint in our hallway, and new flooring. My parents provided phone minutes; our church family prayed. During this frightening trial, we saw how God provides!
Robin Ulbredtch
http://www.robinulbredtch.com/
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