Beauty From Ashes

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. . . . 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.

Isaiah 61:1, 3

ON JUNE 26, 2012, a wildfire rolled over the mountains and into the city of Colorado Springs. Spurred on by 65 mph wind gusts and fueled by one of the driest seasons on record, the Waldo Canyon fire crested a ridge and dove into the Mountain Shadows neighborhood. In just a few hours, nearly 350 homes burned to the ground.

Dan, one of 32,000 people evacuated from their homes, watched events unfold on TV in a living room across town. Surrounded by his family and closest friends, he waited to see whether his home survived. It did, but many of his neighbors weren’t as fortunate.

When Dan and his family returned home, only a handful of houses still stood on his street. The devastation was shocking. Dan walked his neighborhood, helping those whose homes had been damaged or destroyed. Charred wood and ash coated the area, giving it an ominous black feeling.

But just a few weeks after the tragedy, Dan saw the greenest grass imaginable growing up through the ashes. Vibrant, hopeful new life peeked through the black destruction. Though it may have been just a few blades of grass, it reminded Dan that God brings beauty from ashes. Even in the most difficult times, God can create something beautiful and give us hope. So focus on your Father, and don’t ever give up. There is always hope with God.

BOTTOM LINE

Are you going through a particularly dark time? Remember that Jesus promises something splendid instead of despair. Cling to His promise.

Moment of Strength: Hebrews 10:35-36