We had a few different wildfires in Southern California this summer. One of these fires blazed through a mountain range just above our home. Thousands of acres were burnt, and several structures were damaged or destroyed. The once robust trees were charred. Driving through there the past couple of months has been devastating, as we look around and see a dry, black scenery for miles. However, this past week we drove through there and saw something beautiful. New leaves are growing out of these burnt and dried branches! We thought that these trees had been burnt to the core, but there is new life springing up out of the ashes.

There are times when our lives may feel like these burnt and dried out trees. The circumstances around us may be overwhelming, and we may be allowing them to steal our joy and stump our growth. But if our roots are grounded deeply in Christ, there is no doubt that God can produce something beautiful out of our ashes as well.

I encourage you to take a moment today to refresh your soul in the goodness of God. He cares for you, and will not allow any situation in our lives to be for naught. Even in the darkest of circumstances, we can cling to the hope we have in Him and trust that he is making a way for us.

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for caring for me. I know that you are with me through every challenge that comes my way. Even when I feel dried out, I know that I can find new life and renewed strength in you. Help me rely on your goodness and trust your will… always. Let the beauty that is produced from my ashes be an example to others of your great love for us. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Isaiah 43:19 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.