A lint in prayer for God to bring beauty from ashes, written by Debbie McDaniel and read

by Kelly Gibbons.

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, Isaiah 61-3.

As we walk through the season of lint, we're reminded again that sometimes life is hard,

sometimes it hurts, sometimes it's dark, and it leaves its mark like ashes of grief

in the deepest parts of our souls, where no one but God can really see.

But even in times of ashes and struggle, even when we think we've been forgotten in our

seasons of waiting, God is still there, and He is bigger.

As believers, we can still hold on to hope.

For He never intends for us to stay stuck in our sin, pain, or deep sorrow.

He heals and restores, He calls us onward, He reminds us that in Him we have great purpose

and hope.

There's beauty and greatness behind every mark of darkness.

The ashes will fall away, they don't stay forever, but His greatness and glory shine forth

through every broken place and every flaw we've struggled through.

Jesus conquered death, He lives forever, He reigns in glory, and we have victory in Him.

Take courage dear friends, who are facing deep battles.

He is greater than any enemy we face in this life.

We overcome because He has overcome, and our lives are hidden in Christ.

May God cover you with peace, may He bring healing in the face of hard news, may He bring

deep abiding joy that makes no sense to the world.

...