From Ashes to Ashes

2P&P Weekly Blog for week of 16-22 August 2025 

A volcanic scene

A volcano had erupted to spew ash across the landscape. Over time, the flow settled into shapes. From ashes to ashes, it had formed abstract designs that glowed red-hot, still smoldering with earth’s fury.

In some places, it had hardened with layer upon layer of brittle charcoal rock. The textures appeared as a cave, creating openings, crevices, against a barren plain. Yet it will continue to shift and evolve, changing with the seasons, to become a fertile place at some time in the future. 

New life growing out of the volcanic ash

Sometimes it’s difficult for us to imagine pain or loss or difficulty, or hardship, as having a place in the Christian life. We wonder why God allows some of these things to touch us. We feel like His refining touch may singe us to the point of ash, or of no return. But if we will trust Him, we will see new life spring forth, and His hand move and shape us to redesign us. And in the process, we might find that we are maturing in such a way as to be hidden in the cleft of the Rock.

In Romans 8:28 (AMP), we are told, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” But often, this requires our faith. It means that we must persevere. We must trust that the tapestry the Lord is weaving of our dust will bring some seed-bearing plant life to our barren places.

With the heart,

We trust.

With our minds,

We submit.

With our ashes,

We bow,

To be transformed,

In the sculpture of Your design.

But in the refining, Lord,

Please let us know,

That You are with us.

For sometimes the torch,

Feels hot,

And the dust makes it hard to breathe.

But by Your power,

Let us yield,

Until You see,

New life.

And let the texture and tapestry,

When Your work is complete,

Reveal the image,

Of Your Living Water,

Alive and flowing,

We pray.

Amen.

Isaiah 61:3 (VOICE) “As for those who grieve over Zion, God has sent me to give them a beautiful crown in exchange for ashes, to anoint them with gladness instead of sorrow, to wrap them in victory, joy, and praise instead of depression and sadness. People will call them magnificent, like great towering trees standing for what is right. They stand to the glory of the Eternal who planted them.”

This entry is an excerpt from the second book in Deborah’s Creation’s Kaleidoscope Series: Let Everything that has Life … Praise. To enjoy more of this engaging devotional, and to download the free E-Book version, click here for more information.

by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©