Ashes are the remains of something destroyed by flames; ruins.

If we look back, we can recall experiences that seemed like flaming situations in our lives.

Situations that make us feel that the intensity of our struggle will leave us in ruins.

Maybe the heat in your life isn’t that high, but it’s still hot enough to leave you dehydrated.

Leaving you drained of your joy, hope, and ambitions.

Finding yourself in a fiery situation can produce defeat if we don’t remember why we live by faith.

I remember different seasons in my life where I felt engulfed by the flames in my life.

It left me doubting that anything could be salvaged due to the degree of damage done. I felt ruined.

Yet, God, as he always does, created a new thing and I realized why he had placed my life in the fire.

Everyone’s “lesson to learn” may not always be the same, but know that “when you’re down to nothing, God is up to something”.

When you’re down to ashes, God can still make something beautiful out you.

When you feel that you’re drowning in life, we serve a God who walks on water.

When you feel that life has set you ablaze, don’t allow it to destroy you. Don’t allow it to leave you in ruins.

Give him your stress and he’ll exchange it for his peace.

Give him your depression and he’ll exchange it for his joy.

Give him your low self-esteem and he’ll give you holy boldness with reminders that you’re wonderfully made.

Give him your anxiety and he’ll exchange it for his comforting assurance.

Give him your infertility and he’ll exchange it with a fruitful womb.

Whatever it may be, don’t allow the flames of it to ruin your destiny.

God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.

He specializes in making something beautiful out of ugly situations and is the only one that can exchange beauty for our ashes.

Hand your struggles over to Him and allow Him to be the shield that extinguishes your flames.

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness . . .” (Isaiah 61:3 KJV)

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Teaira Carlton

I'm Teaira Carlton. I'm a mom, wife, writer and blogger. My desire is to see people’s lives improved for the better through a relationship with Christ. It's my mission to inspire and encourage all within my reach and global. 

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