We’ve seen it over and over. Natural disasters that hit different parts of our country and around the world bringing devastation, loss and pain. And we’ve al so seen the beauty that comes from the countless volunteers who rush in to rebuild what was destroyed, replacing it with something more beautiful than before.
And how many of us have cried when watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition? People whose lives have been turned upside down in some way or another are given a chance at a fresh start with a beautiful new home that goes beyond their needs. Not once have I seen a family not be amazed and overwhelmed by the new construction.
And, of course, we are coming up on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Our country and the entire world was shaken by the emotional impact of that day. Families suffered unspeakable loss. Lives were forever changed. It affected all of us in one way or another. Devastation at the most extreme level.
But out of those horrific ashes came things of beauty. Heroes were recognized. A nation came together. Perspectives were changed for the better. A country of people reached out to each other to help comfort and heal the pain. We came out stronger on the other side.
And now Freedom Tower is being built at Ground Zero. A testament to all that our nation stands for – hope, perseverance and freedom. It will be the tallest building in America and the tallest “all office” building in the world. A symbol of “beauty from ashes”.
I was reading some verses this morning about how God does that same thing in our lives. In fact, it’s His specialty – Isaiah 61:2-3 –” to comfort all who mourn…to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Every one of us who live on this planet will suffer some type of pain or loss or devastation at some point in our lives. We live in an imperfect world and we are imperfect people. But no matter what comes into our lives, whatever plans may fail or dreams may die, if we give those ashes of grief over to Jesus and place them in His hands, we are at the “Ground Zero” of miraculous happenings. Those hands that performed miracles – bringing the dead to life, healing to the sick, sight to the blind, food to the hungry – those same hands are in the business of miracles today. In our lives. Every minute of every day.
Give the ashes to Him. He’s got a plan and a purpose. Watch what He can create. He made us out of dust. Imagine what He can do with ashes….
Romans 8:11 – The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Isaiah 43:19 – See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.
