BEAUTY FROM ASHES

She sounded so frustrated, so tired of trying, so depressed, and so defeated. I felt numb as all of her words, just—settled in. My heart went out to her. I wished that I could wrap my arms around her and just hold her. I sat there in shock as tears pricked my eyes. This couldn’t be happening to her! No, no, no, no…how is this happening?? We both cried as she shared her story with me. All I could do was pray silently for her at that moment. I asked that God would give me words of encouragement and comfort for this sweet, amazing friend.

My friend (let’s call her Sharon) messaged me late at night saying that she was having a difficult time with her family. According to her, nothing was working out. She wanted to move out of her parent’s home as soon as possible. All she wanted was to be free. She was desperate to put all of that behind her. And to top it off, one of Sharon’s closest friends had betrayed her. For Sharon’s sake, I will not divulge how her friend betrayed her trust. But, oh how my heart broke as I heard her crying. At that moment, I thought of Psalm 61:1-4: “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer…when my heart is faint lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge…let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!”

Sharon kept repeating: “Please, please pray for me. I can’t do this anymore. I just need your prayers right now!” Of course, I prayed for her. I asked that God would sustain her and give her strength to go through everything. And I asked that God would hide her under the shadow of His wings. All I could do…was pray. We placed the situation in God’s hands.

“Leave it all in the Hands that were Wounded for you.”

Elisabeth Elliot

I reached out to her again a few days later, asking her if she was feeling better. And she said that although she was going through a tough situation with her family, she believed that God was holding everything in his hands. I silently breathed a word of praise to God; everything was going to be all right.

I felt the urge to share this because, I know that Sharon is not the only one feeling like this. If you have felt depressed or frustrated with your life, remember that there is always refuge to be found in God’s everlasting arms. He has promised to “uphold you with his righteous right hand” no matter the circumstance. You can find solace and refuge under his wings. He will never leave you nor forsake you!

God will help you travel through the desert.

God will help you climb that enormous mountain.

God will harbor you through the storm.

God will guide you through the darkness.

Just hold on to his hand, and let Him lead you. He has placed you where you are so that one day you may testify of his wonderful love. YOU WILL get through this. YOU WILL see the light at the end of the tunnel. YOU WILL see the glorious view at the mountaintop. YOU WILL see the rainbow after the storm. YOU WILL see the beautiful oasis in the desert. You will! Just hold on to His strength.

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