Beauty for Ashes

If you follow my posts you will have noticed that recently I was caught in a mournful struggle. I hardly slept and I stumbled numbly through my day. I refrained from using mascara as my moist eyes were only inviting a black-streaked face.

It’s hard to deal with a living loss, hard to know what to do with it. I know God understands. There is “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Eccles.3:4)

You can’t always stay weeping.

Many of you rallied about me sharing words of encouragement and joining me in prayer. The situation that drove me to sorrow has not changed however something did change. A miracle occurred.

Although not audible, God spoke to me. “I am the same God that created the world, who gave you life, who has faithfully cared for you throughout your lifetime. ‘Nothing is too hard for Me’(Jer. 32:27). What is out of your control is safely in My hands. ‘I have heard you crying and have said do not fear’ (Lam 3:57).

He who said “Let there be light” lit my very dark world and beams of sunshine came streaming in. In a flash, my tears dried up and my heart began to sing, it sang a song of praise. “Thank you, God, thank you for what you are doing. You care about this situation more than I could ever begin to care. I put it in your hands.”

Instead of blubbering and “worry praying” my heart was/is light and lifted. I promptly put on mascara and my smile returned to my face.

I sat down at my computer to check my messages. There a dear woman who shares my heart for ministry wrote these words:

“God showed me as I prayed yesterday for… [this situation and another] … to thank Him for all He is doing to move in their lives and bring them to Himself. Phil. 4:6 Thanking Him before the answer comes is not always easy but I will now be consistent in doing this. The Good Shepherd knows where His lambs are and how to reach each of them!

Praying for your heart! ….This may be a book one day, giving great glory to our King!!” My heart soared, it was a confirmation hug from Heaven that God knew I needed at that exact time.

Thank you, Father, thank you for what You have done, what You are doing, and what You will do! “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 comfort all who mourn… to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness… that he might be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3