BEAUTY FROM 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.
June of 1988, saw the biggest devastation in modern history in Yellowstone National Park. Park managers and fire behavior specialists allowed 18 lightning-caused fires to burn after evaluating them, according to the fire management plan. Eleven of these fires burned themselves out, behaving as many fires had in previous years.
By the end of summer, approximately 800,000 acres had been burned. As the nation watched horror, the beloved part turned to ashes. Many that had visited believed it was would never be the same, while others that always longed to visit the Park felt they had missed their opportunity.
Miraculously, what appeared to be total devastation and loss, within year or two, became an amazing blessing. Where things looked hopeless, beauty arose from the ashes.
This is the same in the life of the one that follows Jesus Christ. We will see devastation throughout our lives... there will be times where there appears to be no hope. Yet, when we put our trust in Jesus Christ, there is hope for a beautiful future.
When Mary and Martha's brother, Lazarus became ill, the sisters had hope that Jesus would come and heal him. When he died before Jesus arrived, they were devastated. Then came Jesus on the scene and what seemed to be devastating became a story of hope for all generations.
What is it that you are facing right now in life that seems devastating? Remember when we give it all up to God, He can make beauty from ashes.
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