In the heart of Gaza, a region long known for its struggles and conflicts, an extraordinary event unfolded that would forever change the lives of millions. Amidst the darkness and despair of war, a light began to shine, bringing with it a wave of faith and hope that swept through the region. This is the story of how Jesus appeared to the people of Gaza, leading to the conversion of six million Muslims to Christianity—a modern-day miracle that captured the world’s attention.

It all began with a simple yet profound vision. A former terrorist, who had turned to Christ, reported that Gaza’s Christians were serving their community with unwavering dedication. Jesus was appearing to people in dreams and visions, leaving them in awe and rejoicing. The Lord’s presence was so palpable that many realized they had all shared the same vision, gathering around to share their incredible experiences.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a radiant light brighter than anything imaginable filled the sky. In its midst, a figure appeared, bearing a striking resemblance to Jesus Christ. This wasn’t just a fleeting vision but a tangible encounter that left many in awe. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. A wave of faith swept through Gaza, leading to the conversion of a staggering six million Muslims to Christianity. This divine encounter was not just a local event; it was a global phenomenon that served as a powerful testament to the enduring truth of the Bible and the ever-present hand of God in our lives.

The sheer number of conversions was unlike anything seen in recent history. It was as if the great revivals of the past had found a modern-day echo. This incredible event begged the question: Why now, and why in Gaza? The Bible often speaks of signs and wonders, and many pondered whether this event could be one of them. In Matthew 24:14, it is written, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” As theologians and believers contemplated the meaning of this event, they were left to wonder about its implications for the world today.

Imagine Gaza, a place known for its struggles, suddenly becoming a stage for something extraordinary. A radiant light brighter than anything you could imagine fills the sky, and in its midst, a figure appears, bearing a striking resemblance to Jesus Christ. This incredible sight, witnessed by many, sparked a wave of spiritual awakening across the region. It wasn’t just about a large number of conversions; it was a story of how faith can change lives.

The impact was profound. Lives were transformed, hearts were filled with hope, and communities were uplifted. These conversions were a testament to the power of the gospel and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. It was like what the Bible describes in Acts 2:17, where it talks about God pouring out His Spirit on everyone—sons, daughters, young men, and old men all experiencing visions and dreams.

One witness, Ahmed, described the event vividly: “I saw a light brighter than the sun, and in the midst of it, a figure appeared, bringing a sense of peace I’ve never felt before. This wasn’t just a visual spectacle; it was an encounter that touched people’s souls.” Amidst this brilliant light, a figure emerged, radiating a divine aura. The atmosphere was filled with an overwhelming sense of peace and serenity. Witnesses recounted feeling a deep calm, as if their burdens were lifted. The figure’s resemblance to Jesus Christ was undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present.

The setting of this extraordinary event was significant. Gaza, a region often associated with conflict and hardship, was unexpectedly transformed into a beacon of divine light. This aligned perfectly with the message of hope and salvation that Jesus Christ embodies. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” This appearance in Gaza beautifully exemplified this verse, bringing a ray of hope to a place often shrouded in darkness.

Fatima, a local woman facing personal struggles, recounted the moment she saw the light: “It was as if the heavens opened up. I felt warmth and love like never before. When I saw him, I knew my life was about to change.” Fatima’s story resonated with many others who felt drawn to the light and found themselves embracing a new faith. This divine encounter sparked an unprecedented wave of conversions. Imagine the impact of six million people, all touched by the same experience, choosing to embrace Christianity. This wasn’t just a statistic; it was a testament to the extraordinary power of divine intervention.

Such a widespread shift in belief was unheard of in modern times and hearkened back to the great spiritual awakenings of the past. The sheer scale of this event marked a significant chapter in religious history. These six million conversions were a testament to the profound impact that faith can have on our lives. The Bible frequently speaks of such transformations. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse beautifully captured the essence of what transpired in Gaza. The people who witnessed this miracle experienced a deep inner change, leaving behind their old ways for a new path filled with hope and faith.

To truly grasp the enormity of this event, consider the numbers. Historically, large-scale religious conversions have taken years, even decades, to unfold. Yet in Gaza, this transformation happened almost instantly. This rapid change could only be attributed to the undeniable power of the divine presence that was felt. It wasn’t just about the number of conversions; it was about the speed and intensity with which they occurred. This event served as a powerful reminder of the immediate and transformative power of God’s presence.

Muhammad, another witness, shared his incredible experience: “I used to think miracles were just ancient tales, but seeing that light and feeling that peace, it was undeniable. I knew right then and there that I was witnessing something sacred.” Like many others, Muhammad’s conversion was a deeply personal and spiritual awakening. This extraordinary event in Gaza was a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of faith for believers everywhere. It demonstrated that even in places marked by conflict and hardship, the light of Jesus could break through, bringing peace and transformation.

The Bible assures us in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” This event in Gaza was a vivid example of this scripture, revealing God’s undeniable power and presence to the world.

As we reflected on these testimonies and the profound impact of this event, we were reminded of God’s constant presence in our lives. This appearance wasn’t just a miracle for those who witnessed it firsthand but a message for all of us. It called us to deepen our faith, believe in the power of divine intervention, and recognize the signs of God’s presence in our world.

A particularly striking detail was the reaction of local leaders and community figures who were present. Imams and religious leaders, long respected as pillars of their communities, were overwhelmed by the presence of Jesus. Some even reported hearing a voice speaking directly to their hearts, urging them to embrace this new path. Imam Hassan, a community leader for over 20 years, shared his experience: “I felt a calling so strong it was as if God himself was speaking to me. I knew I had to follow the light and lead my people toward this new truth.”

Imagine the transformation within these communities as respected and trusted leaders embraced the message of the Gospel. The ripple effect of their conversions was immense. When leaders change, their followers, families, and entire communities often follow suit. This wasn’t just a personal transformation; it was a widespread revival. The Bible tells of similar powerful transformations, like in Acts 9, where Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, had a divine encounter on the road to Damascus and became Paul, one of the most influential apostles of Christ. As Saul neared Damascus, a light from heaven flashed around him, and he heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” This encounter changed Saul’s life and, through him, countless others. The event in Gaza mirrored the story of transformation and redemption.

News of this miraculous appearance spread rapidly, sparking diverse reactions worldwide. Media outlets everywhere reported on the event, with headlines highlighting the miraculous nature of what had occurred. Social media platforms buzzed with posts, tweets, and videos sharing the incredible news. People from all walks of life, various faiths, and different countries were drawn to the story, united by a sense of wonder and curiosity. Even those who had been skeptical or critical of religious miracles began to reconsider their positions.

Dr. James Thompson, a renowned critic of religious phenomena, stated, “I’ve spent my career debunking so-called miracles, but what happened in Gaza is something I can’t dismiss. The authenticity of the testimonies and the sheer scale of the event demands serious consideration.” This led us to the importance of understanding such events through the lens of biblical prophecy. The Bible is filled with accounts of divine appearances and the transformative power they bring. In the Old Testament, we see numerous instances where God’s presence brings change and renewal. For example, in Exodus 3:2-4, Moses encounters God in the form of a burning bush. These encounters aren’t just ancient stories; they are living reminders of God’s ability to intervene in our world in profound and unexpected ways. The appearance in Gaza was a modern-day example of this divine intervention, a testament to the fact that God’s presence is still very much active in our lives.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/EH2EIC2Ngj0

As we gathered more testimonies and delved deeper into the significance of this event, a common thread of hope and renewal emerged. People who had lost faith or had never known it found themselves drawn to the light, feeling a sense of purpose and direction. The transformations were not only spiritual but also emotional and psychological. Many reported feeling a newfound peace, a lifting of burdens, and a clarity of mind and heart they had never experienced before.

Let’s not forget the impact on the children and youth who witnessed this miracle. Young hearts, often more open to the wonders of the divine, were deeply moved. Teachers and parents observed positive changes in their behavior, attitudes, and interactions with others. Young Sarah, just 10 years old, shared, “I saw the light and felt so happy. I feel like I’m loved by Jesus, and now I want to learn more about him.” The innocence and purity of a child’s faith are powerful reminders of the simple yet profound truth of God’s love.

This event also fostered a sense of unity among the diverse Christian denominations in Gaza, where various branches of Christianity often worshipped separately. This miraculous appearance brought believers from all backgrounds together. Churches held joint services, prayer meetings, and community gatherings, united by their shared experience of the divine. This unity is a testament to the power of God’s love to bridge differences and bring people together. In Ephesians 4:4-6, the Bible speaks of this unity: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This event in Gaza was a living example of this scripture, showing that despite our differences, we are all united in the body of Christ.

Have you ever encountered a story so powerful that it shifts your entire perspective on life? That’s exactly what happened with the wave of conversions that followed the miraculous appearance of Jesus in Gaza. This wasn’t just a fleeting moment of awe; it was a profound spiritual awakening that touched the hearts of millions.

Take Ali, for instance, a devout Muslim his entire life, deeply committed to his faith and community. His life took an unexpected turn that evening in Gaza. “I felt something I had never felt before,” Ali described. “It was like my heart was being touched by God himself. I saw the figure of Jesus and knew without a doubt that I was witnessing a miracle.” This encounter left Ali with an overwhelming sense of peace and a newfound direction in his life. He embraced Christianity, finding in it a profound sense of purpose and connection to God.

Fatima’s story is equally moving. A mother of three, she had been grappling with immense personal struggles. Her family was in turmoil, and she felt lost and hopeless. But when she saw the light and the figure of Jesus, she felt an immediate sense of hope. “It was as if all my burdens were lifted,” she recalls. “I felt love and warmth that I had never known. I knew that Jesus was calling me to follow him.” Fatima’s conversion not only brought her spiritual peace but also transformed her family. Her children embraced the faith, and together they found a new path filled with love and hope.

These stories are not isolated incidents. Across Gaza, thousands of individuals experienced similar moments of divine revelation. Each story is unique, yet they all share a common thread: the overwhelming power of God’s presence and the profound change it brings. The emotional impact on these individuals is undeniable. Many describe a sense of being reborn, of shedding their old lives and embracing a new, spiritually enriched existence. This transformation aligns perfectly with the Bible’s message in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Take Hassan, a local leader who had always been skeptical of religious miracles. He had dedicated his life to serving his community, often questioning the existence of such divine interventions. But when he witnessed the appearance of Jesus, his skepticism dissolved. “I felt a warmth and peace that I had never experienced,” Hassan shared. “In that moment, I knew I was witnessing something holy. My heart opened up, and I felt called to embrace this new path.” Hassan’s conversion rippled through his community, inspiring many others to explore Christianity.

The significance of Christianity in these conversions cannot be overstated. For many, embracing Christianity meant finding a deep personal connection to God that they had never felt before. It offered a sense of salvation, hope, and a fresh start. The teachings of Jesus, centered on love, compassion, and forgiveness, resonated deeply with the converts, providing them with a framework to rebuild their lives and communities. This is beautifully captured in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The wave of conversions following the appearance in Gaza is truly remarkable, not just in personal stories but also in its sheer scale. Historically, large-scale religious conversions have taken years, sometimes decades, to unfold. But in Gaza, this transformation happened almost overnight. According to local records, within weeks of the miraculous event, over six million people had converted to Christianity. This number is astounding and speaks to the profound impact of the divine encounter.

To put this into perspective, let’s compare it with some historical conversion events. One of the most significant mass conversions in history is the conversion of the Roman Empire to Christianity under Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century. This event marked a pivotal shift in religious history but unfolded over several decades. Similarly, the Great Awakenings in America, periods of religious revival during the 18th and 19th centuries, spanned many years and gradually built momentum. In contrast, the conversions in Gaza were nearly instantaneous, driven by a direct and personal experience of the divine. This rapid transformation is unprecedented in modern history and highlights the extraordinary nature of the event. The fact that six million people felt compelled to embrace Christianity so quickly is a testament to the undeniable power of the miraculous appearance.

The emotional and spiritual impact of this event on the individuals who converted is profound. Many describe feeling an overwhelming sense of peace, love, and connection to God that they had never known before. This aligns with the transformative power of faith that the Bible speaks about in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The converts in Gaza underwent a remarkable renewal of mind and spirit, leading to a profound transformation in their lives.

Consider Lila, a young woman who had been searching for meaning and purpose. She describes her conversion as the moment everything shifted. “I was lost and didn’t know where to turn,” Lila shares. “But when I saw the light and felt the presence of Jesus, I knew I had found what I was looking for. It was like coming home.” Lila’s story exemplifies the deep personal connection and sense of belonging that Christianity brought to the converts.

The impact of these conversions goes beyond individual transformation; it has sparked a broader spiritual awakening within the community. Churches have seen a surge in attendance, with new believers eager to deepen their understanding of faith and connect with God. Inspired by their own conversions, community leaders have initiated programs to support and nurture this newfound faith among the people. This collective movement echoes the early Christian communities described in Acts 2:46-47: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Let’s broaden our perspective with some historical context. The spread of Christianity has often been marked by significant events that spark mass conversions. Take, for example, the conversion of Ethiopia in the 4th century, largely thanks to the missionary efforts of Frumentius. This event laid the foundation for a Christian nation that endures to this day. Similarly, the appearance of Jesus in Gaza can be seen as a modern catalyst, igniting a profound and widespread spiritual revival.

The statistical analysis of this event is equally compelling. Historically, large-scale religious shifts typically unfold gradually, influenced by a mix of social, political, and cultural factors. However, the conversions in Gaza break this pattern, occurring in a remarkably short period and driven primarily by a direct divine encounter. This anomaly underscores the extraordinary nature of the event and its profound impact on the people.

Consider the numbers: within weeks of the miraculous appearance, over six million people had embraced Christianity. This rapid and massive shift is unparalleled in recent history. By comparison, the First Great Awakening in the American colonies, which significantly influenced religious practice, spanned several years and resulted in thousands of conversions. The stark contrast highlights the unique and powerful nature of the Gaza event. The significance of Christianity in this context cannot be overstated. For many converts, embracing Christianity meant finding a deep personal connection to God and a sense of purpose and hope that transcended their previous experience. The teachings of Jesus, emphasizing love, compassion, and forgiveness, resonated deeply with the converts, offering them a path to healing and renewal. This transformative power is beautifully expressed in Ephesians 4:22-24: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

So, what does this mean for us? How should we, as believers, respond to such a miraculous event? Have you ever dreamed of witnessing a divine miracle? Let’s take a closer look at what unfolded in Gaza, where many saw a figure that unmistakably resembled Jesus Christ. This wasn’t just any sighting; it was an event bathed in radiant light, creating an atmosphere filled with awe and reverence. The personal journeys of those who converted are a testament to the deep emotional and spiritual impact of this event.

Take Khed, a former imam and respected religious leader in his community. The miraculous appearance of Jesus turned his life upside down. “I felt a calling so strong it was as if God himself was speaking to me,” Khed recalls. Embracing Christianity wasn’t easy, but it felt right. “I feel closer to God now than ever before,” Khed’s story exemplifies the profound personal transformation many experienced, moving from doubt and uncertainty to faith and conviction.

The stories of conversion aren’t just about individuals; they’re also about the collective experience of communities. In many cases, entire families embraced Christianity together, finding strength and support in their shared faith. This collective transformation echoes the early Christian communities described in Acts 16:31-34, where whole households were baptized and welcomed into the faith. The sense of community and shared purpose has been a cornerstone of the conversions in Gaza, fostering unity and mutual support among the new believers.

A striking aspect of this wave of conversions is the involvement of young people. Many youths, often disillusioned by the challenges they faced, found hope and direction in Christianity. Omar, a 19-year-old who had been grappling with a sense of purpose and identity, shares his experience: “I felt lost and confused, but seeing the light and feeling the presence of Jesus gave me direction. It was like I finally knew who I was meant to be.” Omar’s conversion is a testament to the transformative power of faith, particularly among young people seeking meaning and purpose.

The wave of conversions has also significantly impacted local Christian communities. Churches have experienced a surge in attendance, with many new believers eager to learn more about their faith and deepen their relationship with God. This influx of new members has revitalized the churches, bringing renewed energy and enthusiasm. Pastors and church leaders have worked tirelessly to support and nurture the new converts, providing guidance, education, and community support. This collective effort mirrors the early Christian church described in Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

As we reflect on these stories and the broader impact of the conversions, it’s evident that the miraculous appearance of Jesus in Gaza has sparked a profound spiritual awakening. The personal transformations, the collective sense of community, and the sheer scale of the conversions all point to a powerful and undeniable divine intervention. This event serves as a reminder of the enduring truth of the Bible and the transformative power of faith.

SEE MORE: God Redeems Even as Wildfires Spread

Afew days ago, the world around me exploded into flames. Sparked by an unprecedented wind event with 100-mile-per-hour gusts, six wildfires engulfed huge swaths of the greater Los Angeles region. I live just south of where the Eaton fire erupted, which has damaged or destroyed more than 7,000 buildings and left at least 16 people dead. Even now, the fires continue to rage, with the forecast predicting a new round of wind events that threaten to expand and extend the unprecedented destruction.

For the past 14 years, I have taught at Fuller Theological Seminary, located in Pasadena near the epicenter of the catastrophe. Although my family’s home remains intact with only minor damage, the same cannot be said for so many others connected to Fuller or in my broader community. I know of at least eight faculty, staff, and students at Fuller whose homes went up in flames.

But we’re not alone. Fuller is but a microcosm of all that has been lost in our area. Entire neighborhoods—homes, businesses, churches, schools, parks, and libraries—now sit in smoldering ash.

It’s as overwhelming as it is surreal. Some have said that these once-quaint residential areas now look like the set of a postapocalyptic movie. But the images I’ve seen of my daughters’ burned schools remind me less of postapocalyptic Earth than of an alien landscape.

Of course, given that we live in Southern California, this isn’t the first time our community has been affected by raging wildfires. In the fall of 2020, my family and I had to evacuate from our home in Monrovia along with thousands of others, much like many residents there had to do again this past week. In fact, for many members of our local community, their entire life has been defined by this exact kind of instability and disruption.

But this event has been something altogether different. We’ve had windstorms before. We’ve had fires before. But the pace, scale, and extent of this particular trauma is something new—some even have called it the “new normal.”

Many of these same dynamics were in play for the people of Israel during the time God spoke through the prophet as recorded in Isaiah 43. The Exile was a catastrophic disruption. Some were forcibly removed from the land, and some were privileged enough to remain. Any sense of togetherness or commonality or unity that might have grown from this shared experience was threatened by their separate traumas. It is into this conflicted space and to this traumatized people that God speaks:

Now, this is what the Lord says,

the one who created you, O Jacob,

and formed you, O Israel:

“Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you.

I call you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I am with you;

when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

the flames will not harm you. (Isa. 43:1–2, NET)

In a time of instability and uncertainty, what does God say to his people? I created you (bara), formed you (yatsar), and called you (qara). This is the very same language we read in Genesis when, in the beginning, God creates (bara) the heavens and the earth (1:1), forms (yatsar) the human from the dust of the ground (2:7), and calls (qara) the light “day” and the darkness “night” (1:5). In other words, God reminds Israel that they have quite literally been made for such a time as this.

And what kind of time is this exactly? According to Isaiah 43, it’s a time in which the people of Israel will be passing through flood waters and traversing rising rivers and navigating uncontrolled fires—each of which threatens to overwhelm them at every turn. One would think that the prophet would bring a more reassuring message, especially to a people who longed for nothing more than to go back to the stability and security they knew prior to the Exile.

But that’s not what they get. Instead, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah with this message: There is no going back to a time of stability or security or certainty. There are only cataclysmic waters and catastrophic fires ahead. In fact, for Israel, it is not a matter of if they will encounter these scenarios. It is only a matter of when.

It is therefore all the more significant that, having painted this harrowing picture of what’s to come, God still has the audacity to say, “Don’t be afraid.” And the rationale for why the people need not fear is pretty much the same as the one God always gives: I have redeemed you, and I will be with you. As the waters rise. As the fires bear down upon you. As the land beneath your feet begins to crumble. You are mine. And I am here.

Even though that kind of message pulls on all my evangelical heartstrings, in my more transparent moments, I have to admit that God’s presence sure doesn’t seem like enough to justify all the chaos and uncertainty and loss that are now permanent fixtures in our lives. I will be the first to confess that, more times than not, if given the choice between a stable existence without God or an unstable existence with God, I’d choose stability.

But that is a false binary. The actual, concrete choice we have before us is not returning to a more stable past or suffering through an increasingly unstable present. The real choice is whether we commit ourselves to a paralyzing nostalgia for a past that never was or dare to leap into the unstable and unpredictable future that is to come—diving headlong into a world that does not yet exist.

God makes it clear to Israel that they have been redeemed not from something but for something. God has created them and formed them and called them by name not to save them from instability but to prepare them for it.

Look, I am about to do something new.

Now it begins to happen! Do you not recognize it?

Yes, I will make a road in the wilderness

and paths in the wastelands.

The wild animals honor me,

the jackals and ostriches,

because I put water in the wilderness

and streams in the wastelands,

to quench the thirst of my chosen people,

the people whom I formed for myself,

so they might praise me. (Isa. 43:19–21, NET)

I am about to do a new thing, says God. Rivers in the desert. Water in the wilderness. Drinks for my thirsty people. It all sounds so lovely and refreshing and peaceful, unless you have ever experienced what actually happens to a desert or fire-scorched earth when water suddenly appears: flash floods, toxic runoff, and reshaping of the land on a fundamental level.

Rivers in the desert present an opportunity for much-needed refreshment, but they are also radically destabilizing. New things are always destabilizing. That’s what makes them new. The old is upended, transformed, reconstituted.

When God moves in the world, nothing is ever the same. And when we participate in that newness, not only is there no going back to normal, but also none of us are left unscathed. Just ask Jacob, whose reward for encountering God was a lifetime of instability in the form of a chronic injury—a limp that would forever remind him of how God had created, shaped, and called him (Gen. 32:28).

So as we reflect theologically about wildfires in Los Angeles (or earthquakes in China, or brutal wars in Ukraine and Israel), the question Christians today must ask is this: If we too are being redeemed—not from instability but for instability—what does it look like to participate in God’s ongoing work of destabilizing newness? Especially when we ourselves are constantly in a state of disruption?

It’s surely not the only answer, but as I think about the ways in which God not only shaped Jacob’s life and formed the people of Israel but also calls us today, it strikes me that one way of participating with God’s work in a time of permanent instability is to disrupt the disruption. And given the cascade of overlapping crises we are all facing, I cannot think of anything more disruptive, more scandalous, or maybe even more offensive to contemporary sensibilities than joy.

I’m not talking about some kind of Pollyannish version of happiness that ignores or overlooks the various traumas we have all endured and continue to endure. I’m talking about something deeper and far more hard-won—a wide-eyed acknowledgment that the only thing of which we can be certain is that all of life’s joys are “in spite of” something. Or as Proverbs reminds us, “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief” (14:13).

In the midst of chaos and loss and disorientation, joy is a rebellious act. It is defiant. It is a willful protest against the world as it has been handed to us. It is neither to pretend as if the rampant fires that surround us don’t exist nor to accept that they will have the final say. Joy, if it is in any sense Christian, is both a fierce commitment to disrupting those destabilizing forces and, at the very same time, a declaration of praise to the God who is always and forever about to do something new.

I would never dare to suggest that this most recent natural disaster should be seen as good because it is somehow preparing us for more chaos. God can and does exchange beauty for ashes for those who are grieving (Isa. 61:3). But it’s still too soon to skip to this part of the story—personally or theologically. The wounds are still too fresh.

At the present moment, all we can do is mourn with those who mourn, open our homes to those who have lost everything, and hold on to the hope that God will be with us as we walk through these fires and prepare for whatever uncertainties are still to come.

As the next few days, weeks, and months unfold here in Southern California, there is no going back to whatever came before. There is no “normalcy” on the horizon. But that’s just as it should be. Fear not, the prophet reminds us. We have been created to witness and collaborate with the work of a God who is always doing something new. And at least in my mind, that’s reason enough to embrace a defiant joy.