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 joy 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.
In this 61st chapter of Isaiah, the prophet reminds us that God has made provisions for His children, that He will restore us and that He will give us beauty for our ashes. It doesn’t matter what your ashes look like. Through God’s grace and unmerited favor, we can be more than conquerors. Don’t allow Satan to feed words of discouragement and doubt into your mind. Stand in faith believing in the promises of God and the vision and purpose that He has given to you. If you opened your eyes this morning, there is purpose for your life. Embrace the vision that God has given you and walk in your purpose.
Remember, God blesses us not just for our own needs or purposes, but so that we can be a blessing to others. You have heard the saying that God can turn your mess into a message, or that test becomes your testimony. Those ashes; that season of mourning; that spirit of despair can all be used for God’s glory. As stated at the end of verse 3 above, we should be a “planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor”.
So I encourage you to be open to sharing God’s blessing with others, share an encouraging word, share your testimony and be there to support someone in need. As you do this, God will continue to transform you and bestow you with a crown of beauty, oil of joy, and a garment of praise.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for seeing us through our tough seasons. We trust that You will turn our ashes into beauty and that we will be a display of Your splendor. Amen.
Purpose in Action: How has God turned your ashes into beauty? If you would like to share your testimony with our Destination Purpose readers please reply and share below.
For His Purpose,
LiKeisha
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