Beauty from ashes…

 Beauty from ashes…

I have friend who has quite the testimony…she was ill for three years, at death’s door countless times and continues with residual after effects, but continues on living life and sharing the love of Jesus wherever she goes….

Through it all, her husband was a rock, and then she had the opportunity to stand by him through his cancer treatments …as of now, he is cancer free, too…they have much to share with the world …shining lights…

….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. 

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow,so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

Isa.61.3,11

I have known many people whose testimonies show forth the joy, praise through the suffering…rather dwell on the negative, dwelling on the praise…the “thank you” instead of the grumbling, complaining…

It is a fact, that we all go through hard times, roller coaster rides of life…there is an unlimited amount of comfort from our Creator…

 When you pass through the waters,I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire,you will not be burned;the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isa.43.2

 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;he speaks to them in their affliction. 

Job 36-15

 Remember your word to your servant,for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this:Your promise preserves my life.

Ps.119.49,50

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John.16.33

 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 5.3-5

 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.Jas.5.10,11

Draw me close….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h561DdhNutQ

https://www.gotquestions.org/suffering-for-Christ.html

https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/the-one-promise-jesus-made-that-we-don-t-like-so-much-suffering.html#:~:text=Will%20we%20always%20suffer%3F%20Jesus%20promised%20that%20while,like%20discipline%2C%20can%20yield%20good%20results%20%28Hebrews%2012%3A11%29.