Beauty for Ashes

The other side of a mess can seem so far off.  Like you’re in a boat, bobbing with the waves and the current is pushing against the bow trying to knock you off course and slow down your progress.  The mess can have your eyes blinded by the fury of the wind and rain, darkness and clouds.  It’s in that moment when fear begins to press in; allowing your mind to wander and thoughts and feelings consume you.   How will I make it to the other side of this storm, you think?  I don’t see an end in sight or even a way.  There is so much pushing against me, I don’t think I’ll survive the night.  I’ve been in those storms.  The kind where the other side seemed impossible.  The kind where fear and worry and all the feelings crept inside in attempt to sink my boat before the actual waves could. But one thing I have learned through all I’ve walked through is this:  There is a purpose for it all.  Somehow, someway it’ll all make sense and be used for His glory eventually.  The other side al

“Faith has the ability to see God working, even if His hand seems invisible.” -Steven Furtick I have to remind myself of this often.  Sometimes it’s hard for me to see His hands in the midst of my messes.  It’s hard for me to see that He is on my side; working out every detail for good when the distractions blind my eyes from His light.  It’s hard for me to remember because sometimes, the pain sucks everything out of me leaving me feeling alone and broken and confused.   I find myself questioning where I would be if it weren’t for my faith.  Where I would be if I had chosen to walk away from God that day my former spouse walked away from me.  I find myself questioning what if I followed man instead of following Him.  Where I would be if I turned away from my calling instead of marching towards it.   A lot of my questions, honestly, I don’t want answered.  I don’t want them answered because I am confident that the pain was for a purpose.  But I can look back on that day I