I've been meditating on a bunch of Scriptures this week that have brought me comfort (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, Revelations 21:4), but the one that has stood with me today is Isaiah 61:1-3. I know that God will turn our ashes into beauty and that He will use Abby's life and death to turn many hearts towards Him. I spent the last year doing Beth Moore's Bible studies and the first one was based on this Scripture. Please read this verse and the following song as both have brought great encouragement to me this week ...
ISA 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
ISA 61:2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
ISA 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion--
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
Salvador - Shine
From the album Dismiss the Mystery
I woke up to another day
Another day to celebrate
Your beauty and your mystery,
it's more than any eye can see
I'm not the man I was before
With You, my life is so much more
Break the chains and open doors
to a world I can't ignore
Lord let me shine,
shine like the moon
A reflection of you
in all that I do
Lord let me be
a light for your truth
Light of the world,
I wanna be used
to shine for you
As simple as a passing smile
Or listening a little while
To someone that's convinced that they
are in this all alone
Here's my chance to share the news
To introduce the good that's you
Here you go again,
you never cease to blow my mind
Lord let me shine,
shine like the moon
A reflection of you
in all that I do
Lord let me be
a light for your truth
Light of the world,
I wanna be used
to shine for you
You're the love that we all need
You lift us up to our feet
You hold the key to eternity
The King of Kings alive in me
