God promises that He will give us beauty for ashes.
I love this lesson in the Bible and find I apply it all the time. It's such a strong force to pull you through. Recently, I described it to someone another way - our struggles can become our super power.
Here's the actual scripture on beauty for ashes
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. Isaiah 61.3 NLT
Sometimes we think having faith means life will always be blessed, but it's not. Jesus tells us in this life we will have troubles but fear not because He has overcome them. It still means struggles are going to come a'knockin. That's the slog through the wilderness.
I remember a time in my past where the ashes were falling like rain. The best way I could describe it was standing waist deep in the ocean with my back to the waves. We all know that feeling, fun in the sun, sand, water best day ever! Maybe we get cocky and turn our back on the waves and BOOM face plant, you're knocked off your feet and fun turns to instant panic. You didn't see it coming and it knocked you off balance, probably off your feet.
Happens in life doesn't it? Sometimes the waves keep coming. These are ashes, the trials and tribulations that come. When they do and feel like they will never end, remember this scripture on beauty for ashes.
Jesus WILL take those blows, that pain, unfairness, loss, struggle and turn it into something beautiful. Maybe even a super power.
Super power?! Did that just push a button of excitement in you? Did you stop and pivot from woe are my struggles to perked up with the thrilling idea of having a super power? I bet you did! You just turned your face away from the ashes towards a super power. You faced the waves.
This is what we need to believe when we're in a season of ashes. The pivot is coming if we faint not. Don't stay planted under the wave, a super power is being born inside you with each pummeling!
Maybe the wave is your finances beating you into the ground. If you faint not, keep getting back up, let it change you and beauty will come. Your super power might be that money never rules you again for the rest of your life. Had you not faced it down it could hold a grip your entire life. Maybe one day you might even work in the financial field helping others kick its grip. Replace finances with any struggle and the spirit is the same.
You'll be surprised what curveball Jesus tosses in the name of beauty. When that time comes you'll be in the shine of beauty and hit a homerun. Just hold on and let the beauty for ashes come and bring a super power.