Beauty for Ashes

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While my husband and I were  on our recent vacation in Virginia, we visited Manasas National Battlefield- the site of the first battle of the Civil War. While walking through the fields we were swarmed by a flock of beautiful Eastern Bluebirds. I didn't know what they were until I was able to catch one giving me a perfect photo op.  What a beautiful sight as they swooped above and around us, the sun reflecting off their bright metallic blue bodies. 

They are typically known as a symbol of joy, happiness,  hope and rebirth. I thought- how appropriate knowing what happened at this site on July 21, 1861 where 80,000 men lost their lives in just one conflict. At a place where there was so much blood spilled for our freedom- now it is a nesting place for such beautiful birds that symbolize rebirth. 

There was another such place- on a hill- on a cross- blood was spilled for our freedom. Jesus Christ, the perfect lamb and only sacrifice- the one and only sacrifice for mankind's sin- freedom from the stronghold of sin- out of that spilled blood- love blossomed and grew- an eternal, everlasting love- a rebirth from the enemy's hand- out of darkness into beautiful LIGHT! 

I thank and praise God for the reminders of His everlasting love and faithfulness- a free gift offered up in a love that goes beyond man's understanding. A love that surpasses all we could ever imagine in this life. Out of a great day of sorrow, grief, loss and death- arose a wonderful future of gladness, joy, rebirth, a new life. All we have to do is receive His precious gift- His Son- Jesus Christ.

As those beautiful birds swarmed over the tops of our heads, so does God's love and faithfulness swarm over us- we are lavished by His love, grace and mercy. 

Out of the ashes of death He brings the beauty of new life.

Isaiah 61:3 (TPT) "to strengthen those crushed by despair who mourn in Zion-to give them a beautiful bouquet in the place of ashes, the oil of bliss instead of tears, and the mantle of joyous praise instead of the spirit of heaviness...." 

Dear Lord, thank You for bringing me out of the ashes of death- out of darkness- out of sorrow and grief caused by my sin- and have brought me into a beautiful place full of Your love, mercy and faithfulness. A place of such beauty- a life I could never have built for myself- a place where I can bask in Your Presence continually. Thank You for the Gift of Your Son Jesus Christ- Who makes all this possible. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

 

~Blessings, Donna 

 

 

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