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Trading
Beauty for Ashes
Nina Keegan
“The Lord blessed the latter part
of Job’s life more than the former part.” Job 42:12 (NIV)
The long,
winding security line at the airport was in a complete standstill.
The international
terminals were taking longer than domestic, and I could sense growing
frustration and impatience in many fellow travelers as we baby-stepped our way
through the winding line.
This trip would be
very significant for me. You see, a few months ago I finalized a very long, difficult,
and tumultuous divorce that left me feeling sucker-punched (to say the very
least).
Feelings of
abandonment, betrayal, and pain sped through the most diabolical year
I ever faced.
Constant arrows and
fiery darts aimed recklessly and with acute accuracy at my already scorched
heart and soul.
As these prolific
bullets clamored to extinguish any last morsel of peace, I would receive a
word, a prayer, a call, a voice, a standout scripture... all imploring me to
trust God and not give up or give in.
I would read promises
of restoration, peace, joy, and a double portion of blessing.
I would stand on
these promises that in the natural seemed impossible and intangible, and let
them consume me.
Coincidentally, and
even more significant was the fact that I just-so-happened to be flying on my
birthday.
There was just
something very metaphoric about that to me.
I was jetting off (in
a sense) to that latter part of my life; forgetting what lies behind and
looking forward to all the future blessings God had been stock-piling for me -
the pile containing my beauty for ashes and the double portion for all the
enemy tried to steal from me.
I had a new hope and
new excitement knowing that God was in charge and so brilliantly faithful.
He was knitting me
back together. But when He restores, He always multiplies. God is good all the
time! James 1:16-18
“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.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Finally, after a
10-plus hour flight, I arrived in Scotland.
The beauty of this
land is unmatched in the glorious creativity of our Heavenly Father.
Breathe! Time to
breathe!
This
was it... I felt the promises of God everywhere saying, "Here you go my
daughter! This will be a time of restoration and rejuvenation."
My travels also took
me to London, the English countryside, and to Paris.
I was joined
sometimes by my amazing sons and sometimes by my wonderful friends.
God's peace was in
every laugh, tear, train, plane, cab, and every glorious croissant or cafe au
lait.
As I gazed upon the
city of Paris from the summit of the Eiffel Tower, I gasped as
I visualized God smiling His radiant love.
I am reminded that we
sometimes must go through the tough times in life to get to the good stuff.
God has to prune
things from our lives that rob us of all He has for us.
The Bible says we
must share in God's suffering that we might also share in His glory.
We are never immune
to heartache, trials, or devastation.
But what we do have
is a Loving Father who will never leave us! His blessings have no deadline, no
expiration date.
They are infinite,
endless, and beyond comprehension. He will perfect ALL of our concerns.
Action Steps: Speak victory
over your life, rise above your circumstances and surrender it all with praise
and thanksgiving.
Let all that hurts
you be covered forever in the blood of Jesus! Through His blood shed - We Win!!
He always causes us
to be victorious; even when it seems utterly impossible.
He is the God of
possible! God is who He says He is. Hold On.
Your Good is coming
and your BEST days are still out in front of you. Receive it!
Can God change your life?
God has made it
possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in
your own life. Discover how you can find peace with God. You
can also send us your prayer requests.
Nina
Keegan
is a mother of two wonderful young men. She is a writer, blogger, and owns an
interior design business in Houston, Texas. To read more from the writer go
to www.godcake.blogspot.com
