"Give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes." (Isaiah 61:3, The Message)

Ashes represent what's left over when everything is burned up. These ashes represent your broken dreams, your disappointments, your hurts and your pains. For God to give you beauty from ashes, an exchange must occur. You can't hold on to your ashes and receive something beautiful. You have to lay aside the ashes and accept the bouquets of roses God has for you. Accept God's promise that you "can do all things through Christ" who strengthens you. Accept that God makes you the head and not the tail, to be lenders and not borrowers. He wants you to be the victor, not the victim! Make a decision to let go of the ashes of the past and grasp the "roses" God has for you.

A Prayer
God, help me to lay aside the things that are holding me back and accept the good things You have to give me. I praise You today for Your love to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.