And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – (Romans 8:28, NIV)
We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him. These are the people God chose, because that was His plan. – (Romans 8:28, ERV)
We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan. – (Romans 8:28, VOICE)
This is an incredible promise to which we can hold secure. All things that we face, endure and walk through can be transformed and utilized for our good, and the good of those around us. He turns our tests into testimonies, our ashes into something beautiful, and our mourning leads to celebration, through the power of His presence and strength. I can look back at the darkest trials that I have had to walk through, and see clearly, how His light shone brightest for me, and ultimately through me, as He turned difficult things into triumphs that encouraged others in similar situations. God is good, and we can trust Him to use everything for good, in due time. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, and watch for His love to turn ashes into things of beauty.
Beauty from ashes, 
Strength where we were weak;
Light where things were dark,
When the Lord we seek.
His presence, promised,
And His love assured;
Trust and reliance,
Faith that the Lord heard.
He hears our requests,
God’s faithful to bring;
Solutions and grace,
Praise to our wise King.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You work all things together for the good of those who love You and seek answer Your call. Thank You that You are faithful forever. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we are in the midst of a mess. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would recognize Your strength and grace as we go, and the beauty that You bring from our former ashes. Show us how to love those around us in a way that they see Your hope and light and strength in the middle of their struggle. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your transforming power to bring beauty from the ashes of our trials. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing.” – Psalm 16:2
Revelations In Writing 