Beauty for Ashes

At the foot of the cross

Where grace and suffering meet

You have shown me your love

through the judgment you received

And you’ve won my heart

Yes, you’ve won my heart

Now I can trade these ashes in for beauty

And wear forgiveness like a crown

Coming to kiss the feet of mercy

I lay every burden down

At the foot of the cross

At the foot of the cross

Where I am made complete

You have given me life

Through the death you bore for me

And You’ve won my heart

Yes, you’ve won my heart

Now I can trade these ashes in for beauty

And wear forgiveness like a crown

Coming to kiss the feet of mercy

I lay every burden down

At the foot of the cross

At the Foot of the Cross (Ashes for Beauty)

Kathryn Scott ~ Celtic Worship

I’ve had random thoughts on suffering this week as I have been processing the journey I’ve taken with my mom over the past five months.  I’ve watched, prayed, and counseled my dear mother as she poured the love of Christ out on her dying brother.  It has been hard.  It has been emotional.  It has been by the strength of Christ alone that we have persevered through caring and praying for an unsaved loved one with  terminal illness.  So, here are a few of the observations I’m mulling over.

The New Testament is full of references to the Redeemed having to suffer.  It is a part of this journey we walk in this life.  It is reality.  Trials and suffering shouldn’t be a shock to any serious believer or student of the Word.  Often we think the suffering mentioned in the Word only points to persecution or trials directly related to being marked as a Christ-follower.  There are also circumstances and situations that we are asked to endure such difficulties for our own growth and as a testimony to and for the growth others.  Don’t discount those things that you are asked to respond to with faith just because they don’t seem “big enough” to be noticeable.  God sees you and knows your pain as much as He sees those dealing with physical persecution around the world.  Each and every trial, burden, and suffering is seen, known, and sifted through the hands of a loving God.  He knows you.  He created you as a vessel for His glory.  He desires for you to grow; and He provides what you are lacking as you tackle every issue before, if you long to bring Him glory through whatever circumstance you are dealing with. 

I say this because I know my dear mum will discount what she and daddy have spent the past five months doing because it doesn’t see “big enough” to count for something.  BUT that is my point.  God doesn’t keep a grading scale somewhere.  It isn’t about receiving a prize but rather a check in your spirit to know that you are walking in obedience.  Life presents you with issues, circumstances, and choices.  God longs for you to view those things as vehicles to growth, for your own sanctification, a testimony to those around you and an encouragement to the body of Christ. 

Last October my uncle received the news that no one wants to hear.  Its cancer.  Its bad.  You’ve got about five months, maybe more, to live.  Immediately my mom and dad went from family members to primary caregivers.  They have been to every doctor appointment, been the tenacious advocates when necessary and washed every load of dirty laundry, all the while wrestling with God for my uncle’s salvation.  We interceded on a moment by moment basis while not knowing God’s ultimate plan.  We trusted God during the process; but it was heart-wrenching, slow, and painful. 

About a month before he died my uncle made a profession of faith and repentance.  We wondered and prayed that that his confession was sincere because of the very powerful drugs he was on for the pain.  Then God gave us a glimpse into his heart.  While talking with mom one day he mentioned he had peace about dying, but he wasn’t ready to die.  Wow.  We thank the Lord for this glimpse into eternity.   

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,  Phillipians 1:29.

I like how Matthew Henry explains this in his commentary on the above verse.  “Here are two precious gifts given, and both on the behalf of Christ: - 1. To believe in him. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ, who purchased for us not only the blessedness which is the object of faith, but the grace of faith itself: the ability or disposition to believe is from God. 2. To suffer for the sake of Christ is a valuable gift too: it is a great honour and a great advantage; for we may be very serviceable to the glory of God, which is the end of our creation, and encourage and confirm the faith of others.”

We often rejoice in the gift of faith.  Do we rejoice in the gift of suffering?  I know that “At the Foot of the Cross” my mom and dad can rejoice in the time that they suffered with my uncle.  This event in our family history holds the wonder and joy of both the gifts Matthew Henry speaks of in his commentary.  For us, God has granted that, the gift of suffering led to the gift of faith.

Dear one, you do not suffer alone, and you do not suffer merely for yourself.  Rejoice!  Not a “ha-ha, he-he” kind of rejoicing; but rejoice in your spirit to know that you are becoming like Christ, you are growing, you are serving, you are being useful to the Master.

 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:12-18