I’m still on my journey of reading through the New Testament in a year. It only requires reading one chapter a day, 5 days a week. Right now I’m reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans. I read chapter 8. It holds one of my life verses.
“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
I am surrounded by beautiful people. My wife is a beautiful person inside and out. We created 4 beautiful children. Those children have given us 11 beautiful amazing grandchildren. I have an amazing job and work with some brilliant people. I go to church and serve with some of the most gracious and loving friends.
It’s like I have been plopped down into the most beautiful, amazing, fragrant, gorgeous garden, all around me and even from me is beauty. But this shouldn’t ought to be. I don’t fit. I don’t fit into my own life. My life was radically altered at age 8 when my face was burnt off and I was left permanently scarred and disfigured. How is this so? How can a man be disfigured and scarred and yet be surrounded by beauty?
God. Only God could do something like this. I should’ve been destroyed and/or remained an outcast but God has turned my literal ashes into beauty, not me, I’m not beautiful, but all around me? Beauty.
“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.”
God is good. He does good things. When we submit our lives to him He takes the worst parts and builds them back into who we are and makes them a blessing. At least that’s been my experience.
What can he do in your life? There’s no limit to his power, creativity, and love for us.
Romans chapter 8 ends with some of the most encouraging words ever written.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The love of God is transformative. Look at me. Look at my life. Look at what beauty God has brought about through the very ugliness that could’ve, maybe should’ve destroyed me. Will you reach out to him today and invite him into your life?
Isaiah 61 has more words of encouragement.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
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.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
Strangers will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.”
Did you catch that one phrase that describes my life? Beauty for ashes. Literally my nose was a crusty cinder. Now I am surrounded by beauty.
How?!
God!
Why?!
Love.
Where are you on your spiritual journey today? Will you invite God into the middle of it. Even if it is messy he will transform it. That’s what he does. If you need an example just look at my life.
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