I am writing a book called Sacred Ashes about a young woman who suffered a terrible tragedy in her past and turned away from God because of it. The story follows her journey back to God as she questions, struggles, and finally accepts the forgiveness and love of her heavenly Father. Out of the ruined ashes of her past, God caused love and beauty to bloom.
That story is fiction, but the truth of it is not. We all have heaps of ashes from the day to day act of living. Some are scattered everywhere, some are collected in nice, neat piles that we must step over ever day. Whatever that pile of ashes represents to you may I suggest that you remember the promise of God in Isaiah 61:3-
"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."
This passage is about the year of the Lord's favor and promises redemption, restoration and healing.
What has God redeemed and restored in your life? That's the story that someone needs to hear. That's the hope in Christ that you need to share.
Maybe you need to experience tha hope in your life. We all do, over and over again. Can you "out-need" God? Certainly not!
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23
What is the need threatening to consume you right this minute? If you will lay it down at the feet of Jesus he promises to never let it consume you and to bring beauty to your life instead of ashes. No matter what.
I am praying for you.
Sherri