Beauty For Ashes

Isaiah 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.



Faith is a phenomenon that the world doesn't understand. When they see it, it is puzzling to them. There is the christian believer that can walk through such suffering and such injustice yet remain faithful to their Lord. He is able to experience a "strange joy" irregardless of circumstances. He can forgive what seems unforgivable, love the unlovable, bear what seems unbearable and believe what seems to the world unbelievable. The apostle Paul attained it. In my life I have seen it. I have experienced it. Still not to the extreme that others walk it. They inspire me. They challenge me. They give me hope.



I look around and see the depravity of mankind. The cruel selfishness they can exhibit. Then I see the great love they can express and the true ripple in the stream of life that love can produce. That is the kind of "change" that is a pleasure to see and experience. That is an unworldly kind of love that in and of ourselves we are not capable of. This is the "Christ kind of love". As we surrender to His purposes, God will funnel this love through us. No one expects or wants trials or tribulations. In our humanness we don't posses the understanding that God has. He knows there is a sunrise a few more steps down that road on our journey. At that low moment the darkness is all encompassing. We are "now" creatures only seeing what is before us and it is tempting to allow ourselves to be swallowed up in the waves of pain we feel with each trouble we face. "Why" is a useless question as I have heard it said and a tired one at that I might add. Child like faith in a loving God is the only answer and the answer that produces life, love and forgiveness beyond worldly understanding. The Rock provides safety as the waves threaten to overtake us. We must cling to it.



1 Peter 4:12:12Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.


God is with you in every moment of every struggle you might face. No matter what your human eyes see, no matter what your human ears may hear, no matter what your human brain may comprehend or not...He is with you.



Psalm 34:18:18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.





Dedicated to my friend, who is experiencing what no mother should have to. I am praying for you! This darkness will not last forever. There is a sunrise ahead, and it is beautiful!