God Gives You Beauty For Ashes

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. – Isaiah 61:3

So, you feel like you are immersed in quicksand. Well, the good thing is that when you sink all the way down to the bottom there is no place to go but up and God is your hot air balloon to elevate you.

We all go through seasons in life (yes, I did say seasons with a plural) where things are awry or abase. It happens to all of us on this journey of life. These are the times when we must press into God and cast our care or else, we can wind up in the psychiatric care unit. God Gives You Beauty For Ashes.

For those of you that love school and are scholars and enjoy testing trust me the testing that life brings are very sharp, biting, and unpleasant. However, after you have suffered a little while God will give you beauty for ashes. Unfortunately, there is no timetable or tracking device to determine when he will lift the veil, but he will.

In the Bible is the story of Job and the hardships he endured that God allowed to prove to Satan that Job was a good man and would not buckle under immense pressure and stop serving God. http://www.miraclebook.net

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan, whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, from going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the Lord, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So, Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: and there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, the fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house: and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.” – Job 1:1-19.

So, as you can see here is this righteous man of God named Job that had to deal with very severe testing however at the end of his testing period God restored to him everything that he lost and gave him double for his trouble. “So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. He had also seven sons and three daughters. And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Kerenhappuch. And in all the land were no women found as fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations. So, Job died, being old and full of days. http://www.miraclebook.net

So, as you can see God gave Job beauty for his ashes and because God is no respecter of persons, he will do the same for you. Whether you have tried multiple times to have a baby and it didn’t happen due to miscarriages don’t give up, keep trying God has a child with your name on it or maybe you can adopt and that will save you the nine months of hormone changes. Maybe you lost a home to foreclosure, fire, or a hurricane. God will restore you and give you another one. If you had your car totaled in a wreck or had it repossessed don’t panic God has a brand new shiny one waiting for you. If you lost, you job and the door was closed on you and you though you would retire from that job God has a new door and better position waiting for you. With the loss of that job, you had to cancel your dream vacation and now you think you will never have the opportunity to take that trip again. Don’t faint in heart God has it all worked out and not only that trip but several others you will embark on. Possibly the love of your life walked away from you, or they passed away. God knows you are lonely and hurting and he will bring you love again. You have been dealing with a long-standing health issue and now the last medical report is still unchanged, and the doctor tells you that you will have to live this this condition for the rest of your life or even worst you may not live very long. Remember God always has the final say and he will give you beauty for ashes.

Stay in faith, keep believing, keep trusting God, praise and worship God for the victory in advance. Don’t do like the children of Israel did and wait until they had crossed the Red Sea and then they broke out their tambourines and started to praise God. Your victory is coming, God Gives You Beauty For Ashes.

The Despondency Test

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. – Psalm 42:5

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11

Expected – to anticipate or look forward to the coming or occurrence of. – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expected.

According to Jeremiah 29:11 God has an expected end for all of us and according to the dictionary that is something we all should be looking forward to. So then why are so despondent? http://www.miraclebook.net

Despondent – means having lost all or nearly all hope. Implies a deep dejection arising from a conviction of the uselessness of further effort.

From the time God created the world he gave us all free will and with that we believe everything should always go our way and that we should always be living on easy street. When that does not happen and when we are going through extended seasons of challenges, trials, discomfort etc. we become despondent. We all want things to happen fast, quick like warp speed for the star trek fans reading this but that is not the way God operates. He expects a degree of FAITH, TRUST, BELIEF from us all. When we do not have those, we can expect to sink into the abyss.

According to our God given heavenly assignment in life not the man-made ones we decide God is going to keep us on the potter’s wheel until we are what we need to be to complete those assignments. Being on the potter’s wheel means we are being shaped, molded, refined into what God knows we need to be. It is what you would call the HOT SEAT! Don’t try to escape it because no one does. God created all of us and either we do things his way or we will be in the gutter. http://www.miraclebook.net

Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” There are many different tests in life that we will be expected to pass and one of the big ones is the despondency test. If we are always going to moan, complain, despise when God is trying to do a good work in us and get us prepared for the abundance, he has for us then we will never attain all that he wants for us and what we want for ourselves. We will be like the children of Israel that never made it into the promise land and died in the wilderness.

So, what do you do when things are not going your way? Pray, keep doing good, keep going to church, keep helping and serving people, keep tithing, keep reading your Bible, keep up your praise and worship to God, always have gratitude. At the appointed time God will lift the clouds and bring you into the abundant life he has in store for you. We all think we know when we are ready to level up, but we don’t. You don’t want to go to a higher level of influence and success when you are not ready or mature for it because the platform that was built for you will just crumble. http://www.miraclebook.net

Trust God’s timing and pass the despondency test and make the devil mad as hell so when you are elevated like David, Job, Moses, Joseph, Abraham, Esther, Ruth and many other heroes in the Bible the devil will have to turn aside and look for his next victim, but it will not be YOU!

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

“I found that with depression, one of the most important things you can realize is that you’re not alone. You’re not the first to go through it, you’re not gonna be the last to go through it,” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” ― John Green

“I keep moving ahead, as always, knowing deep down inside that I am a good person and that I am worthy of a good life.” ― Jonathan Harnisch

“If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then you’re a badass with a heart of an angel.” — Keanu Reeves

Mental Health is a real issue that we all need to take seriously. If you know someone who may be suffering, then reach out to them and show them love. No man is an island and we all at some point in our lives must lean on someone else. If you see a person that is suffering don’t just shake your head and turn the other way. Don’t think that they are just a weakling so whatever happens to them they deserve. You might live to regret those unsavory thoughts. If Jesus had done that when he was here walking the earth where would we all be now? Check out my website

If you are a person dealing with mental health issues, please reach out and get help. Don’t think that you are the only one dealing with these issues. People in the Bible dealt with mental health issues as well. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

Kind David battled depression, despair, fear, guilt, loneliness, anguish and much more. He detailed all of this in the Book of Psalms. ““My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.” – Psalm 38:4. “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11. He also spoke about his grief regarding the loss of his son in the book of 2 Samuel Chapter 12. David sinned a great sin against God by sleeping with a married woman named Bathsheba and killed her husband Uriah and then married her and she conceived. God struck and killed his son even though David prayed for forgiveness and fasted. Check out my website

Elijah the prophet who had a multitude of spiritual victories was fearful, tired, and distraught and ran away and said, “I have had enough Lord, he said. Take my life, I am not better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

Jonah who ran from God when he asked him to go to Nineveh to preach to the people was ultimately swallowed by a whale. After three days God had the whale spit Jonah out and he headed to Nineveh. He had great success there with the people, but he was angry instead and said, “Now O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:3. And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.” – Jonah 4:9.

Job was a righteous man and loved God, but he lost almost everything enduring great devastation and physical illness. “Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” – Job 2:9. He then said, “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” Job 3:11.” Job also said, “I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3:26. Job continued to also say, “I loathe my very life; therefore, I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.” Job 10:1. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Anxiety & Depression

Jesus was deeply depressed and distraught knowing the things that he had to deal with including the cross. Jesus prayed to God saying, and saith unto them, my soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless, not what I will, but what thou wilt. – Mark 14:34-36.

If you see something say something. If you are the person suffering you speak up and say something. No matter how it may appear there is still more good in this world than bad and there are people waiting to extend their arms and help you to overcome. Remember God says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”.

Christian Books – Donna Louis – When You Feel Like You’re Drowning

“When you feel like you’re drowning in life don’t worry—your Lifeguard walks on water.” – Anonymous

Life is a journey, and, in all journeys, you have highs and lows. You will have some straight paths as well as some crooked paths. You will have some smooth roads as well as some bumpy roads. You will have some areas that are well lit and then some that are completely dark. You will have peaks and valleys, as well as ebb and flow. You will encounter mountains to climb as well as straight paths to walk. Check out my website

Life can be beautiful and messy at the same time. You must make a choice if you are just going to lie down and allow the dust to cover you and eventually with weather conditions just disintegrate and die. Disintegrate – to undergo a change in composition. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disintegrate

Your other choice is simply just to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again and just keep moving forward. Or as the phrase says, “cowboy up.” The phrase cowboy up it means when things are getting tough you have to get back up, dust yourself off and keep trying. – https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cowboy%20up.

When you feel like you’re drowning remember that God is with you, and he is an ever-present help in times of trouble. This is what the bible tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46;1. There is no trouble that we bring on ourselves or that comes to us that God cannot fix and make disappear. A prime example of this would be the story of Peter walking on water coming to Jesus and then he allowed doubt to creep in his head, and he immediately started to drown, and Jesus extended his hand and saved him. Christian Books – Donna Louis – When You Feel Like You’re Drowning

“And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” – Matthew 14:22-33.

So, remember when things seem the darkest that is when God’s light shines the brightest. Keep the faith, trust and believe in God and remember what his word says, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” – Isaiah 43:2. Christian Books – Donna Louis – When You Feel Like You’re Drowning

Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

We all have seasons that we go through as we live this journey that is called life. We all are most joyful when we are in a harvest season. That means everything is going our way and coming up like roses. There are no struggles or challenges that come up and whatever our hands touch prospers. Check out my website

However, we all realize that there is also a winter season and that does not bring pleasant things. Winter seasons are harsh and grueling. Everything we try to do backfires and blows up in our face. Every time you look around all you seem to be doing is putting out fires. For every step you take forward you are being pulled back five. Why is this happening? This is when things don’t make sense.

You worked very hard for that promotion, yet you were passed over by someone who doesn’t have anywhere near the qualifications you do. Your offering bid for that dream home you want was declined and someone who didn’t offer as much was approved. You have changed the way you eat, and you are eating healthier and exercising yet when you take your A1C test your blood sugar levels are still through the roof. You are in the choir in your church, you are one of the teachers for the Sunday’s school classes in church, you are also an usher but when it is time to be selected as a board member in the church you are passed over. You have been praying for years to have a baby and for God to open your barren womb. Finally, the pregnancy test is positive, and you carry your baby almost full term only to have a miscarriage. Your spouse and you are godly people and attend church regularly but while at work you get a phone call from the police that says your spouse has just committed suicide. What is happening? My spouse never showed signs of having mental health issues. Where is God? Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

When things don’t make sense don’t panic God is still in control. To the natural man it does not appear that way. God however is supernatural he knows things we don’t. When God designed you, he knew every disappointment, every hurt, you would encounter. Sometimes we go through arduous winter seasons because God is trying to improve us. There are things inside of us that he needs to remove and grow us up and those things don’t happen when we are in a harvest season, and everything is going great. You’re wondering why that dream of yours is taking so long. Well maybe what you are dreaming for is much smaller than what God has in mind for you and so it’s taking longer. The longer what you desire takes to manifest that is because it is going to be so much greater than what you expected. If you are dealing with some very tragic and dramatic events in your life that is because God knows you will have some rougher waters ahead of you in your future and so he needs to start preparing you now. You are stronger than you think. Remember you can do all things through Christ that strengthens you. Check out my website

When things don’t make sense don’t abandon all the good things you have been doing. Keep being good to people, keep tithing in church, keep going to church, continue to be a person of integrity, and above all continue to thank God and have gratitude because when God provides you with your breakthrough it will be so dynamic and monumental you will say look at what the Lord has done. Christian Books – Donna Louis – When Things Don’t Make Sense

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Pain

Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. – Lance Armstrong

Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave. – Mary Tyler Moore

You can’t get around pain and opposition, but you can try to be joyful in the trial, and thank yourself for the trial, and thank God for the strength to get through it. – Mary J. Blige

We have all felt some type of pain at one time or another in our lives even infant children. Whether it is the pain of a headache, toothache, birthing a child, the death of a child, the death of a parent, the loss of a home or apartment, the loss of a job or a business, the death of a spouse, the loss of a person walking out and leaving you, not getting approved for the loan, a bankruptcy, the loss of a limb, losing out on a promotion at work, the repossession of a vehicle, a devastating medical report, the list is endless. However whatever pain we may be enduring we must remember what God said, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Pain. Check out my website

There are a lot of buildings that are engineering marvels and for everyone of them there was great study and detail that went into the construction of them. According to where a building has been erected the engineers had to consider what havoc the elements might bring. For example, in Florida they need to consider the hurricane element and make sure the building is sturdy enough once completed.

Our heavenly father God almighty has considered all of that when he created you as to how much pain you would be able to endure. If you are still here and I’m sure you are because you are reading this then that means you have endured 100% of the pain that has come your way. While going through the challenges, tests, trials, and pain you thought you would never make it but here you are still standing. You are stronger than you think. Remember what the Bible says, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. – Ephesian 6:11-18. Check out my website

Don’t waste your pain because it is there to grow you up and develop you into the person God designed you to be when he created you. You have a bright future ahead of you. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Pain