To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. (Isaiah 61:3 NLT)
This is Santorini, the world-renown island, also known as volcanic island. I didn’t plan on being here, but I’m glad I did. What most people probably don’t know is that this place owes its beauty to a large volcanic eruption, which devastated the Greek island thousands of years ago. What we think is beautiful now was a result of a big wreck. The effects of the volcano can still be seen and felt around Santorini, but they pale in comparison to the deep, blue waters and picturesque villages that constitute its beauty.
Today’s passage from Scripture, which I’ve read and quoted many times, comes to mind as I think about Santorini’s history. How God can turn the worst of circumstances into something great. Maybe this summer, I, like many others, needed a visual reminder of God’s amazing power to take the shattered pieces of my life and turn them into something beautiful. And if it took a trip to Santorini to help me see it, then it was well worth it in the end.
God can give us beauty for ashes. It’s in His nature to create masterpieces. Allow Him to finish what He started in you and trust that even when things seem to be falling apart – because in this imperfect world they will – He is still working things out for your good and His glory. You will rise again, stronger and better than ever before.
Rising with the Son 