BROKENNESS} Isaiah 61:1-3,
ISAIAH 61:1-3 ESTHER 4:1,3 JOB 42;6 The Biblical Context • In the Bible, ashes were a universal symbol of mourning, deep sorrow, repentance, and tragedy. When people experienced heavy loss or disaster, they would wear sackcloth and sit in ashes. In Isaiah 61:3, God promises:
Joel 2:25-26, PSALM 51:12, 1PETER 5:10 • • • • • RESTORATION: A crown of beauty instead of ashes. The oil of joy instead of mourning. A garment of praise instead of despair Ultimately, this promise reveals God’s restorative nature. It means that no matter what you have gone through, your pain does not have the final say. God can take the broken pieces of your circumstances and use them to create something strong and magnificent
![INTRODUCTION [Continues]](./files/1ae40f2282826c1243678f1ad5f0b3de/small_images/pg_4-L-0.jpg "INTRODUCTION [Continues]")
THE REALITY OF ASHES ISAIAH 61;3A, 1 SAM 30:4 , PSALM30:5 30:5 • The ashes which represents our pain can be real. • As women we try to cover our ashes with smiles, makeup, and good dressing , but underneath is the pain we carry. • Don’t ignore the “ashes”------ grief, failed marriage, financial ruin or the shattered dreams. We have to acknowledge our ashes . A problem identified is part solved. • God does not mock our ashes or tell us to just "get over it." He meets us in the dust. Before the exchange happens, the grief is to be acknowledged.
• • • • • Point 2 THE DIVINE EXCHANGE John 3; 3,7 16, 2Cor 5;22 Rom 3;23-24 1PETT 2;24, Gal 3:13, Rom 8:1 It starts with salvation, letting Christ into your heart. He took our sins and gave us His righteousness He took our punishment and gave us His peace He took our curses and gave us his blessings He freed us from guilt and condemnation and gave us freedom Our healing starts with repentance
THE DIVINE EXCHANGE [continue] ISAIAH 61:3B PSALM 147:3, 2 COR 4:7 Proverbs 28:13 • Lets Focus on the word instead. This is a literal trade-off. God requires • • • • us to hand over our ashes so He can replace them. Cultural Context: In ancient Hebrew culture, mourners threw ashes on their heads. 2 Sam 13:19.Esther 4:1. God promises to replace those dirty ashes with a beautiful bridal crown, We often try to hide our ashes. God asks us to surrender them. You cannot receive His beauty if your hands are tightly clenched around your past pain. Until we let go of our ashes we will not receive the grace to move on in life.
THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF GOD ISAIAH 61:3C, JER 17;8,PSALM 92:12-15 • God does not just heal us so we can feel better. He heals us to make us unshakeable. • Oak trees have deep, massive root systems. They withstand violent storms. • Your restored life becomes a testament. When people look at your strength, they won't praise you—they will praise the God who replanted you.
THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE {continuous} • Your transformation displays His splendour and His Glory. • He knows how to turn your mess to a miracle that will bless the nations • He knows how to turn your trials into a testimony so that others through you will be blessed. • He is rewriting your story and the next chapter of your life will be beautiful, it is not over with you, God have just started. • You are a trophy of grace,, He will soon lift you up for the world to see • Don’t give up !!!!
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