Beauty Out of Ashes

 

By Andrea Merrell

 

To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

 

It sounded like gunshots. Then an explosion. By the time I raced out the door, part of the backyard had already gone up in flames. It looked like an inferno as I stood there, helpless.

With two utility sheds side by side, one caused the incident. Before the fire department could get to our home and get the flames under control, the other shed caught fire as well.

You see it on TV and in the movies. You read about it happening in other far-off places but never think it can happen to you. That’s why the Bible tells us to be alert. To be aware that the Enemy’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.

In 1 Peter 5:11 (MSG) we read:

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.

God, indeed, always gets the last word. Although we lost much, we have even more to be thankful for. It wasn’t our home. No one got hurt. My husband (who had just been in the shed moments earlier) was not inside when it happened. Our chickens survived (their coop was slightly down the hill from the first shed). The woods behind our house didn’t catch fire. Our motorhome got moved before it could catch fire and explode. We had an outpouring of help and support from our neighbors.

Once again, God protected our family from potential disaster. And He promises to work all things together for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28) as we deal with the aftermath and the insurance company.

Whatever you’re facing today, trust the Lord. He makes beauty out of ashes.

 

Beauty Out of Ashes by Andrea Merrell

To console those who mourn in Zion,

To give them beauty for ashes,

The oil of joy for mourning,

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. 

Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my Christian walk, it’s that God does not waste a single thing. Whatever the enemy means for evil and destruction, God can turn around and work for good in the lives of those called according to His purpose.

The problem is the fact that we don’t see the big picture when we’re in the midst of the fiery flames of adversity. All we want is a way of escape, which God has promised in His Word (see I Corinthians 10:13).

Over eighteen years ago, both my son and daughter rebelled and dove headlong into a life of drugs and alcohol. My husband and I had done all we could to raise our children in a godly environment. We were devastated and didn’t know what to do or where to turn. What we discovered is this: even good kids rebel, and even good parents can end up with a prodigal—or in our case, two.

When I felt God nudging me to write my story, it was difficult re-living many of the events that brought fear, anger, frustration, tears, sleepless nights, and the hopelessness that tried to swallow me. The best part, however, was the healing that took place as I put pen to paper. My story has a happy ending and I’m now able to share practical advice and survival tips with others. God created beauty out of ashes in my family, and He can do the same for you.

If you or someone you love is dealing with a prodigal, my sincere desire is that Praying for the Prodigal (now available on Amazon) will give hope and encouragement to anyone traveling this dark path.

In God’s economy, nothing is wasted … even our pain.

I would love to have you join my Facebook launch party tonight (Monday, March 30th) from 7-9:00 PM. All you have to do is click on this link:
http://on.fb.me/1CneI6Y.

TWEETABLES

In God's economy, nothing is wasted ... even our pain. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)

Are you or someone you love dealing with a prodigal? Praying for the Prodigal now available on Amazon. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to Tweet.)


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