Rising from Ashes: God’s Strength in the Midst of Ruins
Walking through the ancient streets of Pompeii, I found myself drawn to the remains. They reflected my own journey of resilience, endurance, and strength amid hardships, serving as a testament to what God does when He brings beauty from ashes.
Maybe you’ve gone through a similar season; everything you built began to crumble. Your job. Your identity. Your plan. And you wondered, What just happened? Did I ruin everything? Can any of it be saved?
Several years ago, I walked away from a career that I had worked hard to build. On paper, I was a Senior Director; I had stability and success. Then my husband came home from work one day, inspired by a God-led vision, and asked me to walk with him into the unknown.
I said yes.
What we thought would be an adventure felt more like being buried beneath the ruins. I lost my job, my routine, and my sense of purpose. Underneath it all, I started to question everything. Did I make a mistake? Did I throw it all away?
This season was defined by tears, hardship, and deep soul-searching. God was gradually revealing to me who He had called me to be. There were days when I felt invisible, misunderstood, and afraid, but God was present in the mess with me, guiding me back to the truth and reminding me that even as I felt the chaos, He was in control.
I discovered small practices that helped me hold onto hope. When I felt overwhelmed and heavy-hearted, I would journal. Journaling was healing for me; it helped me name the ache in my heart, process my grief, and see that God was with me. I found God’s steady presence in my scribbled prayers and raw questions. Stillness was also a gift to me. Instead of running from silence, I chose to sit with my thoughts and pain. In the stillness, I began to hear God’s gentle whisper and feel the peace of His presence. Stillness became the sacred space where God reminded me that He was with me, He had not forgotten me, and He wasn’t done writing my story.
As I reflect on God’s Word, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28; ESV) — I can now see God’s faithfulness in my life. God has used my mess to help me become more like Jesus.
The process wasn’t quick or easy; it took time for me to see God change me from the inside out and to restore and strengthen my marriage. It took time to develop a deeper intimacy with God and to find His purpose for my life. It took time for us to save money and no longer feel like we were tied to a paycheck. But as we trusted God and leaned on Him, we found peace. God was faithful; He did not waste our pain.
If you’re in a similar place, I want to encourage you that God sees you, hears you, and is with you. You don’t have to have it all together to begin again, and you don’t have to be perfect to be fully loved by God. Be honest with God and tell Him how you feel. God isn’t put off by your pain, your questions, or your mess.
Pompeii didn’t remain buried, and neither will you. There is purpose in your pain; there is beauty beneath the ashes. I invite you today to bring your ruins to God. Let Him whisper into your story and watch how He will write a new chapter of restoration, hope, and purpose.