Devotionals

Rising from the Ashes!

Written by Julie Weaver 16 Comments

Experiencing the Death of someone or something you Love can seem all consuming.  As a forest fire consumes or scorches everything in its path, so death leaves its mark on everyone and everything it touched .  Your finances, personal health, career, plans for your future, relationships, etc. can all bear the scars from death’s devastation.  You may find yourself like I do looking at a New Year approaching wondering “How can I go on?”, “Where do I start?” and “Do I even want to?”.  People ask you how you are, and though you may say “I’m fine”, the smell of scorched dreams is ever present as you sit alone on a winter night, that should have been spent curled up by the fire with your loved one.  Yet as I reach for God’s Word, He whispers to my fire scorched soul in Isaiah 43:19

“I am about to do something new.
    It is beginning to happen even now.
    Don’t you see it coming?
I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert.
    I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.”

How could the fiery trials of death and devastation bring anything new and good?  Scientists have proven that even as a forest fire is raging, it is in the process of stimulating new growth that never would have happened if it had not burned.  The heat from the burning trees causes the cones from those trees to pop open, and release millions of seeds that have been waiting for years to be released onto the forest floor. Even healthy forests contain dead trees and decaying plant matter; when a fire turns them to ashes, nutrients return to the soil instead of remaining captive in old vegetation, causing all of the new seeds on the forest floor to thrive.  Through the elimination of the other trees, the forest canopy is opened up to more sunlight, causing the surviving trees to experience a growth spurt.  Even in Nature God gives “Beauty for Ashes”.  God Promises in Isaiah 61:3 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion – – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

Just as it is in nature, it is in our life!  The people who make the most lasting impact, have survived the most devastating Fires of Life!  Though there is no beauty now, and the smell of smoke still chokes as I remember what has been lost; I will trust You Lord that You are at this very moment bringing up New Life in me.  Though I may never understand Your ways, I can trust Your Character and Your Promises. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”  Father, You did not cause the devastation of death, but you allowed it for Your Glory, and my good.  So, help me to trust, to wait, to heal, as You transform my Ashes into something Beautiful for Your Glory!

 

16 comments on “Rising from the Ashes!”

  1. Thank you Julie for sharing. I’m in that burning fire as it is and woke up crying just now. And this was in my email. Even though it’s hard now you just added some light to my devastation

  2. Julie – thank you for diving into Scripture with your pain and sorrow. And then sharing with all of us. Continued prayers that God continues to bring new life – healing and even joy from the ashes. At just the right time God Jesus to fulfill His 4000 year old promise. He is the God of “perfect timing”. He is our balm. Prayers and blessings my sister in Christ! Heidi Goelzer

  4. Julie….I really needed to hear this. As i go thru some debilitating health disease problems, I lost my favorite cousin and mt children’s father, all in the same weekend, followed by major surgery the next day. Then more health problems came upon me. I know now that i truly believe God has my guardian angel son in heaven making me stronger to be with his baby sister, and help guide her thru her fathers death last month.

    I was so sorry to miss Joe’s celebration of life, due to my health. I neard the outpouring of God’s love was abundant from sea to sea. Holidays are hard but we do make it. My grand children fill my arms with love and lift me up. My priest is keeping close ties on me and my pulmonologist team is remarkable . God has put me with the right people at the needed right time of my life.

    God bless you during the holidays and may his spirit always be strong for YOU and myself. I think about you often!

    Much love and hugs….Meg

  6. I continue to pray for you as each day comes with new feelings . I know them well. I can see that you are firmly planted in The Word and I know that is the only way to walk through all of this . Still doesn’t make it easy. Dont forget to reach out to close friends and family when you just can’t do it anymore. Love always.

  7. Prayers for you & your family Julie! Beautiful words–God’s truth! I love & miss you friend.

  8. Julie, you are truly working for the Lord! May you and your family feel The Lords embrace during this holiday season

  9. Well said Julie! Keep on keeping on! You can do anything through Christ who IS strengthening you. Love to you from Indianapolis!

  16. Beautifully written and a great reminder of God’s grace for all of our lives no matter what we go through! You and your family are loved and we continue to pray for you all!

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