Faith Builders – Ashes for Beauty

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“To all who mourn in Israel, He will give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair. For the LORD has planted them like strong and graceful oaks for His own glory.” Isaiah 61:3

Discussion:
Where is Christ leading you? Have you traded your ashes in for beauty? Have you replaced your mourning with JOY? Do you wear forgiveness like a crown? He wants you to lay every burden down- He died so that you would have a place to lay it- at the foot of the cross…..

It is easy to forget, to live as if we were still among the mourning. When the world tears us down, when suffering rips at our souls, we can crumble to the ground, wondering where God is.

But He has not forgotten us. Our salvation is secured – we are planted firmly, our roots deep into the ground. So we can rejoice, even while we mourn, and we can praise him, even while we struggle to make it through the dark days.

I don’t always remember though. Too often I hold on to the ashes of my life and feel lost in my sinfulness. But I don’t need to stay trapped there. Through the cross, Christ has redeemed me and I can fix my eyes on my eternity with Him.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

I really appreciate Heather’s reminder today in the Faith Builders Meme. Head on over and get inspired by the other participating bloggers.

Interactive Faith Builders is a Monday meme at “Faith Lifts”. Click here to join in today’s discussion and don’t forget to sign the “Mr Linky” to let others know to visit your post.