Today’s Daily Bread ~ Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61:3 – 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.

I recently spent some time at an event called The Walk to Emmaus.  The walks are for both men and women, though segregated.  I had the pleasure of getting to know one woman in particular, and would like to tell you about a conversation we had.

To back up just a bit, I had given my testimony on Friday night.  On Saturday, she asked if we could could talk.  She had something on her mind.

After lunch, we found a quiet spot outside at a picnic table underneath a tree.  And she proceeded to tell me something that had been burdening her for the past ten years.

She had only recently (a year or two ago) come to accept Jesus as her personal savior, although she’d always felt His Presence in her life.  At one point, over a decade ago, she’d fallen into some destructive habits.  I don’t want to tell you her story, but I do want to tell you this.  The shame she’d been lugging around with her was almost crippling.

As she talked about it, I could see she was in bondage.  She wanted to tell her story, but was terrified to think of how people might react.  The Lord whispered to me, “Beauty for ashes.  Tell her that I will give her beauty for ashes.” 

I talked to her about many things.  I told her how honored I was that she trusted me with her story.  I empathized with her shame, for I’ve spent many years in those chains.  And then I told her what the enemy doesn’t want you to know.  Those chains have no locks.

Many people suffer a lifetime in silence, afraid that people will discover their secret.  Shame can only survive in secrecy.  The enemy desperately fights to keep our testimonies silent.  Why?  Because they heal.  They break the chains of shame.  And according to Revelation 12:11, our testimonies, when paired with the blood of the Lamb, deal Satan a deadly blow.

My new friend has been through some dark pits.  But God delivered her.  And He will trade her beauty for ashes.  Isn’t that a precious picture?  I can see it so clearly in my own life.  Riddled with depression and anxiety; ashamed of an eating disorder and a drinking problem.  Then, slowly picking myself up off the ground, gathering the ashes I’ve been hiding in, and bringing them to my Heavenly Father.  He cleans my tear-stained face, takes my tattered clothes and exchanges them for robes of righteousness.  He places a crown upon my head, restoring my dignity.  “Go, child,” He says.  “But there is one more thing you must do.  All honor and glory is mine.  I have worked a miracle of healing on you.  Tell the nations.  Help the lost.  Let the light of Christ shine through you.”  Beauty for ashes.

I don’t know too many people who’ve been fortunate enough to make it this far in life without spiritual scars.  Mine are many, but they’re also cherished.  See this one here?  This is where Jesus stitched my heart back together after it was broken from an unhealthy relationship.  I call this one “bad decisions.”  That one, “lost innocence.”  All testify to the healing hands of God.

Our healing is made complete only  when we help others to heal.  I tell you the same thing I told that sweet girl; “Shine on, sister.  He’s made you whole again.  Now go tell the world what God can do.  Don’t hoard that hope to yourself.  Go and spread the Good News.”

Oh God, how we love You!  There are no wounds You can’t heal.  With You, hearts are never broken beyond repair.  Dignity is restored, and innocence regained.  Thank You for that, God.  Some of us still have healing to do.  Lord, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would course through our veins, running through every cell, until you are just entwined throughout our very DNA.  Let us breathe out self, and breathe in Holy Spirit.  Release us from shame, and deliver us from the fear that feeds it.  Give us courage to be bold for You, and to share what You’ve done in our lives.  Remind us that we live to please You, not man.  We thank You for the unfathomable work on the cross that allows us to live in victory.  We give thanks for Your Son, and it is in His Name that we pray.  All glory and honor to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Amen.