Beauty for Ashes: A Divine Exchange
Life has a way of leaving us with ashes—broken dreams, painful losses, disappointments that burn away what we once held dear. Yet, in the midst of our sorrow, God whispers a promise: “I will give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Isaiah 61:3)
This is the heart of God—He never leaves us in our ruins. He is a master at redemption, turning what was meant for harm into something breathtakingly beautiful.
The Ashes We Carry
We all have them. The relationships that fell apart. The unexpected loss. The moments of deep regret. These ashes remind us of what was, but they don’t define what will be.
God sees beyond the pain. He doesn’t just sweep up the ashes and discard them; He transforms them. What we thought was an end, He calls a new beginning.
The Beauty He Offers
God’s beauty isn’t just a replacement; it’s an upgrade. He turns sorrow into joy, despair into hope, and loss into purpose. Think of the caterpillar, struggling in the cocoon, only to emerge as a butterfly. What looked like the end was actually the transformation.
For the broken heart, He brings healing.
For the wounded soul, He brings restoration.
For the hopeless, He brings new dreams.
How to Receive This Divine Exchange
1. Surrender the ashes. Stop holding on to what is already burned. Give God your pain, your past, your burdens.
2. Trust His process. Transformation takes time. Sometimes beauty grows in places we least expect.
3. Walk in faith. Even when you don’t see it yet, believe that He is working all things for your good.
Your Story Isn’t Over
If you’re in a season of ashes, take heart—God is in the business of redemption. What feels like devastation today will be a testimony tomorrow. The same hands that formed the heavens are forming something beautiful out of your brokenness.
Let go of the ashes, and watch God paint something glorious in their place.
He is making all things new.
A Beautiful Redemption is Coming
About the author
Shakera has been known to beat all the odds of battling mental health challenges and pursuing her dreams. She is also the author of four books. A memoir of her battle with mental illness titled “The Dealt Hand: The Story of my Battle with mental illness”, The Art of Resilience: Dreaming and Overcoming the Challenges of Life, Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence (R.I.S.E.), and her newest book “Hues of Stained Glass: Healing from Broken Pieces”. Shakera’s passion for mental health and women comes from her own experiences and overcoming the barriers and challenges in her own life. Shakera understands that she cannot do anything without her relationship with God His grace and the support of her community.
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 