Beauty for Ashes - Let the Healing Begin
May we set our hope on eternity. We honor Father God Almighty for His word. Where would we be without it, for the word of God is God Himself (John 1:1). Let’s take a moment and just give thanks for life, for the breath in our lungs. In this moment, lets acknowledge, the privilege it is, no matter our circumstance, no matter our trial, to give glory, praise and honor to God for His sovereignty for His wisdom, and ultimately for His plan of salvation. For our Lord bore our stripes and has gone to prepare a place. He will come back, and He will take us to be with Him. Where He is there too is the Father. Again, Christ has gone away, He is gone to the Father and He is coming back for us! He said to the enlightened criminal on the cross, ‘Truly I say, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ (Luke 23:43)
Paradise: Paul speaks of things he heard, when he was caught up into Paradise, things inexpressible within human capacity, things in which man cannot utter, things too sacred for words. Paul was caught up into the third heaven a realm filled with the mist of God’s complete presence the dwelling place of the Holy Trinity. Paradise, a realm beyond human comprehension. Take a moment, rest and meditate on that, the true Holy of Holies. Doesn’t that just fill you with awe! This present realm, the natural earth could never compare to what we have in store (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) May this truth resonate through the Spirit of the Lord and may it be our pinnacle of hope during seasons of trial.
Beauty for Ashes, let the healing begin
The word of God tells us that we enter His kingdom through much tribulation. With men it is impossible but with God all things are possible. In his peace our hearts and minds are guarded. The devil is a tempter, but he has no power. Therefore, let us not be anxious but with hearts constantly full of thanksgiving, let us beseech the Lord for power, and divine wisdom for in His strength we are more than conquerors. No weapon shall prosper; we are vindicated through our heritage in Christ Jesus. Amen. No weapon shall prosper…Do you believe? Indeed, He is turning it around for the good of those who love Him. Set your heart on Paradise and know, this is a temporal time. That is the beauty of seasons for we know this too shall pass. Where do your ashes lay? Is it in misunderstanding? Is it in grief or loss? Perhaps sickness or infirmity? Be confident in the Lord. Our healer, our redeemer. He will give beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That you shall be called mighty oak-trees of righteousness, planted of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah : 61:3)
We are mighty oaks planted of the Lord however in some cases, before the planting, before flourishing in, and for Gods glory, some things need to be plucked, some things need to be broken, some things need to be destroyed and overthrown. On the other hand, our ashes, those dark and dry places may be laying the foundation for our equipping. Like molded clay being put into a furnace, through that refining process it comes out stronger with a greater capacity to endure, withhold or house the contents that will be placed within it.
Child of God, your Creator formed you in your mother’s womb and from the beginning foreordained His purpose within you. Ashes- dark, dry, gloomy circumstances with a staining power will be turned into Beauty- triumph and the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ. You may stand against giants, you may be placed in the lion’s den, you may be wrongfully imprisoned or even thrown into a furnace. Your ashes may be being placed into a pot of boiling oil nevertheless, your victory is in Christ Jesus, our miracle worker and His prevailing justice over all who are called according to His purposes. Be steadfast and unshakable, drawing on the wisdom and knowledge of God in every circumstance. Giants fall, lion’s mouths are closed, freedom is yours. You will not be burned or scourged. You will be a mighty tree planted in the spiritual flow of the heavenly steams of water, full of strength, full of resilience, character refined to the height of spiritual excellence. In the mighty name of Jesus!
Scriptures for reflection
John 14: 30, Luke 10:19 The Devil has no power
John 14:15-17- protected from evil sanctified by truth
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - ceaseless thankful rejoicing & prayer
Romans 8:28 - love God and it’s all good
Romans 15: 13 – abiding joy and peace