Last November as I was praying for the new design to launch for HISBlessedOne GOD gave me Beauty for your Ashes. As I meditated over the scripture Isaiah 61:3 GOD began to show me the new design and immediately I fell in love with the concept. Little did I know that in the Spirit GOD was giving me a word to hold onto during the dark season I was getting ready to walk into.
I have blogged before about me loosing my job back in December/January and how hard it was for me to return back to the states after 6 years but what most of you don't know is that I was going through one of the darkest moments of my life. I found comfort in my bed and my shower echoed with all my loud screams as the water washed away my tears....I was in a mourning season.
I was not only mourning the death of my life overseas and my job but I was mourning the death of a relationship from someone that I had known for years but recently began to date romantically. The two of us often discussed marriage and having a family together but on the inside I knew that he wasn't GOD's best for me. I kept telling myself that he was a good guy and I may not get this opportunity again so I ignored the voice of the Holy Spirit until I couldn't ignore it any more. As difficult as it was I made the desicion that on judgement day I wanted to hear GOD say "Well Done" more than wanted to hear "I Do" so I walked away.
After waking up and going to sleep in tears day in and day out for weeks GOD reminded me about the new design HE gave me back in November.....beauty for your ashes. It was Isaiah 61:3 that began to get me out the bed in the mornings with a different mindset. Once I truly believed that my joy season was around the corner I began to worship GOD differently. When the tears and the depression spirit tried to come on me I would get up and praise GOD in the spirit and command the enemy to flee from me. I had become very sensitive to the tricks of the enemy and no longer wanted to play his games.
During this time of self realization and standing on the word of GOD I began to see this new journey of being in the states as a good thing so when I received an offer to return back overseas (my comfort place) I turned it down. Some may have thought I was crazy but I felt at peace about chasing GOD and my purpose. I have surrendered my entire life over to HIM and some times HE has to take you through somethings to get you to the point that your throw your hands up and submit to HIM. I am so thankful that HE loves and wants the very best for me.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. {Isaiah 61:3}
I would love to hear your Beauty Story!
In this season of uncertainty and trying to find my way since returning back to the states I have found comfort in GOD's daily whisper that HE has a prepared a place for me. Some days when GOD's whispers are faint and I am having a rough day I am reminded of a recent visit to my parent's house for the weekend and my mom telling me that she stayed up most of the night cleaning and getting my old room together as she prepared for my arrival. Isn't that just like a parent wanting everything to perfect for their kids? Although, I feel like I am ready for GOD to reveal the plans HE has for my life I imagine GOD being just like my mom HE is cleansing, shaping and molding me as he prepares me for the next season.
When I arrived at my parents house that Friday night I felt so special knowing that they where excited to spend time with me and how I felt spoiled (don't judge me...lol). I have NO doubt that when GOD is finished with me in this season I will feel the same way knowing that HE loved me enough to prepare a place for me!
In John 14:3 JESUS tells the disciples "When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am."
Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. "They are plans for good and no for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Is anyone else in this season of waiting for GOD to reveal HIS plans for your life? If so how do you find peace in this season?
Many Blessings
A'Keta Julinate'