Out of the Ashes

I close my eyes and reflect on the days long ago when the chaos of my life eroded the hopes of a new day. Life complications isolate peace and imprison the mind. Shadows from the journey often made the heart sick, chains of fear ignite the furnace of affliction (Isaiah 48:10). Pain so fierce, cries of mercy, and broken promises of surrender emerged during the darkest night of the soul. Father’s efficacious grace extinguishes the flames and out of the ashes arise beauty.  

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. 

The Prophet Isaiah proclaims Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction Isaiah 48:10 (KJV). Some of you are living in the shadows of your secret past. While others live-in fear of rejections, abandonment, addiction, loneliness, depression, poverty, domestic violence, adultery, fornication, the list is endless. The truth is God knows everything about each of us and still elected to send His only begotten Son to redeem all those who believe John 3:16–17 (KJV).  

Are you ready to emerge out of the ashes in your life? 

1 Peter 5:6-9 New International Version (NIV) 

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  

9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.