According to the National Fire News National Interagency Fire Center, firefighters are currently working to stop and prevent 95 fires across the country, with 13 additional incidents since yesterday. In the last month, parts of the United States have also been covered with smoke from wildfires in Canada, causing poor air quality, health problems, and an increase in anxiety. Only adding fuel to the fire, wildfires in Europe are now said to burn for months (CBS Evening News) as 63,000 have been evacuated near Madrid.
With much of the world ablaze, the growing reality of extreme wildfires isn’t just becoming real, but deadly. With fires that are too large, intense, and dangerous for firefighters to contain, even the most advanced technology and emergency response systems are of little to no help due to rapidly changing conditions like drought, wind, and rising temperatures.
Living in a culture that celebrates control, learning to respond to disasters like these often strikes an emotional chord. We feel helpless, though we want to help. We feel distressed and stressed even if the conditions aren’t directly impacting us. So, we build, plan, predict, and prepare as best as we can (which is good to an extent), only to realize we can’t always manage what comes our way.
As humans, no matter how hard we work towards prevention, we all have our limits. This brings up an important question: What do we do when we encounter something bigger than ourselves? What do we do when we’ve done all we can and are ready to throw in the towel?
Why Do Wildfires Remind Us We Are Not in Control?
In James 4:4-15, we read these words:
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that” (NIV).
I want to be clear that this verse doesn’t mean we shouldn’t worry about natural disasters, like the wildfires spreading across the states. Caring for our world is important to God. But James is challenging us to see and live life a smidge differently.
It’s in our human nature to make plans. We like to know where we’re going, what we’re doing, and when. Even the most spontaneous of us have routines we follow in our day-to-day-lives. It’s just how we operate. What becomes problematic is when we confuse this planning with having complete control over the future. Planning isn’t wrong. In fact, it’s wise and biblical. But there’s a difference between responsible stewardship and believing we call all the shots.
Firefighters are working tirelessly with courage, preparation, strength, and skill to stop these fires. That’s absolutely necessary and needed. But even their expertise has limits. At the end of every day, we’re human, and there is only so much we can do. This doesn’t mean we’ve failed, but it’s a reminder that we’re not God and were never meant to be. Recognizing these limits doesn’t mean we’re weak; it can be a humble way of seeing what’s happening around us.
How Can Christians Act Faithfully Without Trying to Control Everything?
If you’re anything like me, recognizing our limits isn’t pleasant. I tend to believe that I can do it all and control my life more often than not. Proverbs 16:9 reminds me who actually directs my plans:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (NIV).
Psalm 46:1-3 says it this way, emphasizing Christ’s strength over human dependence:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (NIV).
While I wish I could tell you that believing and trusting in Jesus will make all of your problems, control issues, and fires instantly disappear, it doesn’t. We’re broken humans living in a fallen world. When we’re faced with overwhelming and disastrous circumstances, we tend to respond in 1 of 2 ways:
-
Panic because we feel a lack of control.
-
Pride because we pretend we have complete control.
No matter how you tend to respond, I want you to know that Jesus offers another way. A way that doesn’t include ignoring the world around us, but taking wise action, doing what we can, and then trusting Him with the rest (what we can’t control).
When we think about these wildfires, firefighters and those in the area should do what they can. Communities need to support displaced families and open their doors to those in need. We need people to donate supplies and resources. To step in where and when needed. Neighbors should help neighbors, and rescue groups should come in. Christian faith doesn’t mean doing nothing. Living like Christ is a relentless pursuit of serving others, especially those in significant need. But we also must recognize and trust who is ultimately in control (and that isn’t us).
How Does Creation’s Power Point Us Back to the Creator?
In Psalm 121, we see that as strong and powerful as God’s Creation is (including us as human beings), our help doesn’t come from ourselves, our chariots, our warhorses, our wealth, or even our strength. No, our help comes from Christ alone. And any strength we do possess comes from Him living within us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:1-4, NIV).
Unlike humans, God is 100% trustworthy, reliable, and loyal. He keeps His promise, and He never sleeps!
Throughout Scripture, creation reminds us of God’s greatness. This is why Psalm 121 refers to God as being over storms, oceans, mountains, and even the wilderness. This world is bigger than us, but He’s bigger than our world. The same creation God calls good is also a reminder of our need and dependence on Him alone.
I want to be clear that natural disasters aren’t proof that God is careless about us or creation. Remember, we live in a broken world awaiting full restoration. God deeply cares for us and this world. But even when circumstances feel overwhelming, He is still with us. He is still present. He is still here.
Where Can We Turn When Life Feels Unmanageable?
While wildfires are just one of many natural disasters currently impacting our nation, they can symbolize many struggles we as humans face here on earth: illness, grief, financial hardship, uncertainty, and circumstances beyond our control. When the fires in our lives can’t be put out, will we run or cling to the one who is with us in the fire?
Christians will struggle, and God doesn’t always remove the storm. But He does promise to stay here with us and show us a way through. As we stay humble and rely on Him, we realize that we can’t do everything, but God can.
Where are you trying to control something only God can handle? Think about this question and talk to the Lord about it honestly. Then, try one of these practical action steps:
-
Be faithful- Remember, you can’t do it all, but you can do something. Do what God has placed in front of you and ask yourself what your responsibility is in this place.
-
Release- Take a moment to write down a list of things you can and cannot control. Surrender what you need to as you draw closer to God.
-
Remember- In times of stress, it’s hard to remember the light. Remember His faithfulness and character. Remind your soul that you’re only human, but He is God.
Natural disasters teach us that we’re capable of making a difference in this world, but we’re not limitless. We can work hard, serve, prepare, and respond with Christ-like love. But our hope isn’t in controlling circumstances; it’s in trusting God, who holds all things together.
A Prayer for Those Affected by Wildfires
Dear Jesus,
Today, we pray for those impacted by the wildfires. We pray for the victims, the firefighters, and emergency personnel. Please keep everyone safe and give leaders wisdom in making difficult decisions. Show me how I can help those in need, but also how to recognize and confess my limits. I trust you with things that are beyond my control. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildfires, Human Limits, and Trusting God
- What do wildfires teach Christians about human limits?
Wildfires remind Christians that human planning, technology, and strength have limits, but those limits can lead us to humility, faithful action, and deeper trust in God. - Does trusting God mean doing nothing during a disaster?
No. Trusting God does not mean passivity. Christians are called to prepare wisely, serve generously, support those affected, and entrust what they cannot control to the Lord. - What does James 4 teach about control?
James 4 reminds us that life is fragile and tomorrow is not guaranteed, so our plans should be held with humility before God. - How can Christians help people affected by wildfires?
Christians can pray, donate supplies, support relief organizations, open their homes when appropriate, encourage first responders, and help displaced neighbors take the next faithful step. - Where can believers find hope when life feels unmanageable?
Believers can find hope in God, who is our refuge and strength, the Maker of heaven and earth, and the One who remains present when circumstances feel overwhelming.
For Further Reading
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/BENJAMIN HANSON/Contributor
Originally published August 25, 2026.
Continue reading
