I remember a time in my life when I was walking around carrying the weight of brokenness I didn’t even recognize. Outwardly, everything seemed fine, but inwardly, there was a heaviness I couldn’t shake—a sense of emptiness I couldn’t fill. I didn’t realize I was clinging to the ashes of pain, rejection, and unmet expectations. But then, Jesus, in His infinite love, began to draw me to Himself. He didn’t condemn me for my brokenness, didn’t scold me when I searched out earthly things, but embraced me with compassion and forgiveness. As He says in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”It was as though He was whispering, “Give me your ashes, and I will give you beauty.” Through His Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit, He opened my eyes to see the depth of His love and the freedom that comes from trusting Him. Slowly, He exchanged my despair for joy and my heaviness for praise. What was once a life of quiet brokenness became a testimony of His restorative power.

Isaiah 61:3 prophetically points to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment in making all things new. For the New Testament believer, this is a reminder that Christ came to exchange our spiritual ashes—our sin, shame, and brokenness—for beauty, joy, and righteousness. Through Jesus, we find new life and a hope that overcomes every sorrow. Jesus doesn’t simply fix our brokenness—He makes us brand new, exchanging our past for His purpose. (To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The cloak of praise instead of a disheartened spirit. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3) Additionally, Romans 8:28 reminds us that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” No matter how deep the hurt or how scattered the ashes, Jesus has the power to restore and redeem. Just as He transformed my story from despair to delight, I can testify that He can take the broken pieces of your life and turn them into a beautiful testimony of His grace. Look to Jesus alone, for He is the only One who can take what was meant for harm and transform it into something glorious.