## I Set Myself On Fire John Wesley: The Fiery Faith and What to Do When Your Soul's Blaze Gets Too Hot (Or Too Cold)
We've all been there, right? That moment when your inner spark feels less like a gentle glow and more like a roaring inferno. Or, perhaps worse, a flickering ember threatening to wink out entirely. While the phrase "I set myself on fire John Wesley" might sound like a dramatic, perhaps slightly unhinged, historical anecdote, it's actually a surprisingly potent metaphor for a powerful spiritual experience. And understanding it can be your roadmap to navigating the peaks and valleys of your own faith journey.
So, who was this John Wesley, and what was so fiery about him? And more importantly, what does this fiery baptism mean for
us? Grab a metaphorical bucket of water (or maybe a bellows, depending on where you're at) and let's dive in.
### The Original Firestarter: John Wesley and That Fateful Evening
John Wesley, the 18th-century clergyman, was instrumental in the founding of Methodism. And he wasn't just a preacher; he was a man on a mission, driven by a profound and often tumultuous faith. The moment that cemented his "fiery" reputation, and the one that gives us our catchy title, occurred on
May 24, 1738.
After a period of intense spiritual struggle and a feeling of profound inadequacy, Wesley attended a meeting in London where someone was reading Martin Luther's preface to the Epistle to the Romans. As he listened, a strange and overwhelming warmth spread through him. He described it as feeling his "heart strangely warmed." This wasn't just a cozy feeling; for Wesley, it was a transformative experience. He felt a newfound assurance of God's love and forgiveness, a sense of spiritual liberation that ignited a lifelong passion for evangelism and social reform.
So, "setting yourself on fire" isn't about literal arson, but about a powerful, undeniable spiritual awakening that consumes your being. It's about a divine encounter that transforms your inner landscape, sparking a fervent desire to live a life dedicated to God.
### What Does "Setting Yourself On Fire" Even Mean? The Signs of a Soul Ablaze
When your soul is truly ablaze, it's not just a fleeting feeling. It's a fundamental shift that can manifest in several striking ways. Think of these as the tell-tale sparks and smoke signals of a spiritual inferno:
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An Unshakeable Sense of Divine Presence: Suddenly, God isn't just an abstract concept; He feels
real. His presence is palpable, a constant companion that permeates your thoughts and actions. You might find yourself praying more spontaneously, feeling a deep connection during worship, or experiencing moments of profound peace in the midst of chaos.
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A Hunger for the Divine: Like a hungry person craves food, you'll develop an insatiable appetite for spiritual nourishment. This could mean devouring scripture, seeking out inspiring sermons, engaging in deep theological discussions, or spending extended periods in prayer and contemplation.
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A Compelling Urge to Share the Good News: When you've experienced something so profound, it's hard to keep it to yourself. This isn't about aggressive proselytizing, but a genuine, heartfelt desire to share the joy and hope you've found with others. You become a living testament to the power of faith.
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A Renewed Sense of Purpose and Meaning: The mundane suddenly feels extraordinary. Life takes on a new dimension. You may discover a calling, a renewed passion for your work, or a deep commitment to serving others. The "why" of your existence becomes crystal clear.
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A Transformation in Character: The fire purifies. You might find yourself naturally shedding old habits that no longer align with your newfound faith. Patience, compassion, forgiveness, and a desire for justice can become defining characteristics.
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Overwhelming Joy and Peace: Even in the face of adversity, a deep well of joy and peace can sustain you. This isn't the absence of problems, but the presence of something greater that transcends them.
### The Other Side of the Coin: When the Fire Dims (Or Never Quite Ignites)
While the "setting myself on fire" narrative is powerful, it's also important to acknowledge that not everyone experiences faith as a sudden, overwhelming inferno. And sometimes, even after the initial blaze, the embers can cool. This is where the "What To Do Next" becomes crucial, whether you're feeling lukewarm or like you've been doused with a bucket of ice water.
Signs Your Fire Might Be Dimming (or Needs a Spark):
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Spiritual Dryness and Apathy: Prayers feel like a chore, scripture feels dull, and church services leave you feeling empty. The vibrant connection you once felt has faded.
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Doubt and Discouragement: Questions flood your mind, and the assurance you once had begins to waver. You might question your faith, your beliefs, or God's very existence.
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Lack of Motivation for Spiritual Practices: The desire to engage in spiritual disciplines diminishes. You're not actively seeking God, and the effort feels too much.
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Focus on the Mundane: Life's daily struggles and distractions begin to eclipse your spiritual life. The fire feels like a distant memory, overshadowed by everyday concerns.
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Complacency: You've settled into a routine, and the transformative power of faith seems to have plateaued. There's no longer a burning desire for deeper growth.
### What to Do Next: Reigniting the Flames and Finding Your Path
So, what do you do when the fire has dwindled, or if you've never felt that roaring inferno? The beauty of faith is its adaptability, and there are always steps you can take:
If You're Feeling the Burn (But It's Getting Intense!):
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Lean into It, But With Discernment: Wesley's experience was transformative, but not everyone is called to be a fiery evangelist on the street. Find healthy ways to express your passion. This might be through acts of service, creative expression, deep study, or mentoring others.
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Seek Wise Counsel: Talk to spiritual leaders, trusted mentors, or fellow believers who can help you navigate the intensity and channel it constructively.
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Practice Stillness: Sometimes, the roaring fire can be overwhelming. Make time for quiet reflection and allow God to speak to you in the stillness.
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Don't Neglect Your Well-being: Even the most fervent fire needs fuel. Ensure you're taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Burnout can dim even the brightest flame.
If Your Flames Are Dimming (Or You're Searching for a Spark):
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Don't Despair, Re-Engage: Spiritual dryness is a common part of the journey. It's an invitation to return to the basics. Revisit core teachings, spend time in prayer (even if it feels forced), and read scripture with intentionality.
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Seek Community: Connect with other believers who can encourage and support you. Sharing your struggles can be incredibly liberating. Find a small group, a Bible study, or a church that fosters genuine connection.
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Try Something New: If your spiritual routine has become stale, try a new form of worship, a different prayer method, or a service opportunity that pulls you outside your comfort zone.
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Focus on the Small Things: Sometimes, the grand inferno isn't what's needed. Look for small moments of grace, signs of God's presence in your everyday life, and practice gratitude.
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Be Patient with Yourself: Spiritual growth is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be seasons of intense passion and seasons of quiet reflection. Trust the process and God's faithfulness.
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Explore Your Doubts: Don't shy away from questions. Honest exploration of doubt can often lead to a deeper, more resilient faith.
John Wesley's "fiery" experience serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of faith. Whether your soul is currently a roaring inferno or a gentle, flickering ember, remember that the journey is ongoing. The key is to be attuned to the signs, to seek out the spiritual nourishment you need, and to trust that God is with you, fanning the flames, and guiding you on your unique path. So, what does it mean to set yourself on fire? It means allowing the divine to ignite your very being, and then learning how to tend that sacred flame.
