Sunday, November 16, 2008

Crime and Punishment vs. Beauty from Ashes

In the face of hardship, you may feel that you are being punished. This is a common error of reasoning and it occurs because the Lord uses all things for the good of those He loves. The error occurs as you see blessings begin to flow from grief or pain; flawed human logic deduces that the sorrow was inflicted in order to bring the blessing. Because He is able to use even painful events to work His will and to remind you in whom your faith rests, you assume that you are being reprimanded for some wrong. This is not so. He knows your heart. He knows you. The Lord’s ability to bring beauty from ashes does not reflect upon your weakness, but upon His strength.


Scripture: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpse" (Romans 8:28).


"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 for the display of the Lord's splendor" (Isaiah 61:3).








1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What great scriptures. This one in Isaih really grabbed hold of me today. I love you and I am praying for you my sweet aunt.

Me