Beauty for Ashes

I don't know if the Lord has ever "tricked" you. Not at all using tricked in a bad sense, maybe got you to do something He wanted you to do with a motivator that caused you to tackle something you would normally have said "no way" to! That has happened to me this past month. I won't go into the whole long story, but basically I have found myself tackling a Bible Study that I never thought I would have the energy (emotionally, physically, or spiritually) to complete AGAIN. That is the key, again, I did Breaking Free by Beth Moore in 2003 and it literally took me through a 12 week counseling session that changed my life forever. See when you come from as much bondage and baggage as I do, hearing the Lord's love and grace and most importantly freedom is almost more than one person can bare. I couldn't believe He hated all the things that were done to me and the things I had done to myself, just as much as I did, no really so much more. Well, I am a brand new mommy and on week 6 of the study for the second time, and wouldn't you know it, God had a perfect plan for what week 6 would bring to my new mommy soul. Isaiah 61:3 ...and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. Because of my past, I never dreamed I would be able to have children, but my God has bestowed on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes. This week that grace has brought me humbly to my knees, may He receive all the splendor!