Beauty for Ashes

You may be at the point in your life where you probably are asking if it is all over and if you must throw in the towel. If you currently have the breath of life then there is still hope and there is a reason why you are still alive. Being aware of this you need to keep your faith up and know that what is ahead of you is more important than what is behind you.

For the believer, the first point of call when in any situation is the scriptures. Often, when I have encountered situations in my own life that seem insurmountable, the first thing I do is to seek God's guidance through His word on how to handle them. God did not promise us problem-free lives. In fact, for as long as the earth remains, the problems of man are far from over. But God promised us beauty for our ashes and joy for our pain. In Isaiah 61:1-3, the Prophet Isaiah said:

Isa 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

Isa 61:2  To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

Isa 61:3  To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. KJV

I don't know what you may be going through right now but no matter the enormity of your pain there is something positive that can come out of it only if you will give God the chance to do so. In the Book of Ruth we read of Naomi's painful experience but we note also that through that very experience was Ruth grafted into the lineage of the Messiah. And it was through the pains suffered on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ that we received our salvation. Our very lives were birthed through the pains of labor. Life has a way of throwing things at us that make us want to give up but don't give up yet. Life will be meaningless unless we use the painful experiences of our lives in the pursuit and fulfillment of our lives' purpose. It is reassuring that God promises in Isaiah 43:2 that:

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 

What load are you carrying that is burdening your heart? Our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 KJV:

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Beloved if God cared enough for His own to the extent of sending His son to lay down his very life for us and to enable all who believe in him to have eternal life then know that He is equally concerned about the pains you suffer. I have encountered several Christians who feel that suffering is a result of our sins. Yes, there are consequences for our sins and we sometimes suffer for the wrong choices we make in life. However, there are other times that we face sufferings, not because of sin, but because our faith is being challenged. But the good news is this: whatever the reason for your suffering there is hope for the one who turns it over to the Lord. In John 10:10, Jesus told his disciples that:

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

That abundant life Christ promised can be enjoyed right here on earth as well. When it seems hardest, why don't you turn over the problem to God. Thank Him for the peace and comfort He alone offers and lift up praise to His holy name. With that done, you only need to trust God to change your situation and give you beauty for your ashes and joy for your pain. He is God. If for nothing at all, let the words of Mother Teresa encourage you: "Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of the risen Christ." A Gift for God, "Joy" (1975). What Christ did for us believers on the cross is priceless and its worth much more than anything life can offer. Nehemiah 8:10b tells that "....the joy of the LORD is your strength."

May God Bless you and so fill you with His presence to enable you to stand and to overcome and rise above every storm that has overwhelmed you. May God give you beauty for your ashes and joy for your pain. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen!