Beyond Measure Devotional Sample

Beauty Among Ashes

A while back, my church did a sermon series called, “Kiss the Wave.” Kissing the wave is a concept that helps us see hardships as opportunities to be drawn close to God, to build our character, to help others. It is a realization that God does not waste the waves (hardships) in our lives. Whether you are facing small waves, big waves, or tidal waves that change the trajectory of your life, learning to see them as a blessing that draws you closer to Jesus is life-changing. This brings a whole new light to seeing trials as opportunities.

“I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me against the Rock of Ages.” - Charles Spurgeon

I know it sounds crazy to be thankful for your child’s health condition; I used to think so too. Only after I released my anger about my child’s condition was I able to feel God’s embrace and begin to see the beauty among the ashes. It was the hardships themselves (the waves) that made me lean on Jesus like never before. Closeness to and dependence on God were things to be thankful for. These were the first blessings to come from my child’s condition.

Another blessing to come from my child’s condition is how she inspires me. Her strength, perseverance, witness, love, endurance, outlook. It all inspires me! I want to encourage you to watch daily for ways your child inspires you. Be mindful to verbalize this to him or her even if he or she is not able to respond.

“I will fix my eyes on the blessings of this ridiculously hard life that I call mine.” - TyiaLynn Scott

Dig Deeper

Has your child’s condition strengthened your relationship with God?

What is one encouraging thing you can tell your child this week about how he or she inspires you?

What are some things you can be thankful for that are a direct result of your child’s condition? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Building my strength, perseverance, and dependence on my Creator
• Growing the spiritual maturity of my child inspires me
• Shifting my focus off of material things and onto relationships
• Enabling me to support others walking a similar road

Prayer

Lord God, I repent for the times I have allowed negative thoughts and overwhelmingness to consume my mind and focus. I pray throughout today that you will help me to be watchful for the beauty among ashes, shedding light on the moments I can thank you for. Thank you for the blessings that have come from walking this hard road. In the name of Jesus. Amen.