Let Go of the Ashes

In the scripture, Job went through a nine-month period where everything that could go wrong did. He lost his health, his business and his family. At one point it says, "He sat down among the ashes." He was so overwhelmed and so distraught that he thought, "This is it. I'll never be happy again."

When you go through a loss or a disappointment, there is nothing more that the enemy would love to see than for you to sit down among the ashes, get bitter, hold on to something that is dead, and lose your enthusiasm for life. That's what Job did for a period of time; he sat down. But here's the key: Job didn't stay down. He got his fire back, got his passion back. He rose up out of those ashes! He said, "This may be difficult, but I know my Redeemer lives! I know my God is still on the throne. I know I wouldn't be alive unless there was something greater in my future!" The scripture says Job came out with twice what he had before.

Maybe today, life hasn't turned out the way you had hoped. Maybe you've gone through some unfair situations and now, like Job, you're sitting in the ashes; you're holding onto something that didn't work out. God is saying, "If you will let go of the ashes, if you will trust Me, I will do for you what I did for Job. I will not only bring you out, but I will bring you out with twice what you had before."

Understand that your future starts today! Don't you dare go through life looking in the rearview mirror. Look out through the great big windshield in front of you! Your life is filled with possibility! There are incredible opportunities in front of you. You may have had some bad breaks, but always remember that God has promised beauty for those ashes. Now do your part and let go of the ashes. Quit reliving negative memories. Don't let a season of mourning turn into a lifetime of mourning. Be bold and let go of whatever didn't work out. Whether it was 30 minutes ago or 30 years ago, let it go and move forward into the blessing and victory He has prepared for you!

"Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance…." (Isaiah 61:7, NIV)