Beauty for Ashes

Many of us saw the sad news this past week how, Monday night Fountain of Life Center in Burlington, NJ, one of our Assemblies of God churches, was completely destroyed by a huge fire. This is a church that has used their sanctuary (which seated 1800) and facilities not only for their own usage, but as a great blessing to our district and to the surrounding community. Thankfully, the church’s school and athletic building were saved from destruction. But the sanctuary and church facility was completely burned to the ground. 

As sad as I feel about what took place, I can only imagine the grief of the pastor, staff, and congregation as they look at their precious place of worship now in ruins. The task before them is tremendous: trying to figure out where to hold worship services, working through all the details with the insurance company, overseeing the cleanup, and eventually figuring out how to rebuild. It’s a daunting task for any congregation, but especially for one with a building of that size. And all of that has to be done while grieving the loss they have experienced. I know, under the leadership of their pastor, Russ Hodgins, his staff, and leadership, and of course with God’s help, Fountain of Life Center will be rebuilt. Nonetheless, the grief is real and task difficult.   

As we go through life, it’s not all that uncommon for us to find ourselves in a such a situation. Things are going along somewhat smoothly when suddenly, a fire, illness, relational breakdown, financial turn, etc. rips through our lives leaving us to gaze at and grieve over that which has been left in ruins. There are times when our sin—or someone else’s sin—leaves us with pain and ashes.  Sadness takes the place of joy; tears replace laughter; the sound of mourning takes over the sound of singing. And unfortunately, many people just stop there—they end of living the rest of their lives in the ashes, tears, grief, and mourning that life has dealt them. But such need not be the case. 

The prophet Isaiah put it this way, “To all who mourn in Israel, he (the Lord) 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 – NLT) 

When we find our lives left in ruins, God promises to help us rebuild. He doesn’t leave us in our ashes and pain, but steps into our lives to bring healing and newness of life—to even bring about something of great beauty out of the ashes. 

Today I continue to pray for the people of Fountain of Life Center, that God would fill them with peace, grace, hope and strength as they trust in him. And, I pray that each of us would know the hope that comes from trusting in the God who is able to give us “beauty for ashes.” 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris