God’s Beauty Parlour
The word ashes brings to mind what is left after a fire has burned out—cinders, remains, ruins. As even the dictionary would say, they are what is left when everything has been consumed.
And yet, for the child of God, even ashes are not the end.
To be “burnt out” for God—what a testimony that would be, to spend your life fully for Him. There is a story told of an old man of God lying on his deathbed. Hearing his servant speak with the doctor, he called out, “What did the doctor say?”
The servant replied, “You will die within the hour.”
The old man answered, “Then let me spend it on my knees, praying for the church.”
What a way to finish—nothing left but holy ashes.
Even the great men of Scripture understood this place.
Abraham said, “I am but dust and ashes.”
Job declared, “I repent in dust and ashes.”
The Psalmist spoke of sorrow so deep that his bread tasted like ashes.
There are times in life when everything seems burned away—when joy is gone, hope feels lost, and life itself seems empty and tasteless. Like Job, you may feel you have lost everything. Worse still, it may even seem as though God Himself is distant.
In such moments, the enemy whispers lies:
“There is no point.”
“Give up.”
“Even God has forsaken you.”
But do not listen—he is a liar, and the father of lies.
God is still on the throne.
He has not forgotten you. His Word still stands:
“I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
When trials oppress you and burdens distress you, He has not left your side. And one day, He will take you home to Heaven—where ashes are no more.
I do not know what you are going through today. I do not know the weight you carry or the pain you feel. But perhaps, as a child of God, you feel empty… like all that remains of your life is ashes.
Then come to the Lord Jesus.
He is your Saviour and your High Priest. Bring Him the ashes of your life. Come with a humble and contrite heart—He will not turn you away.
Even if your hands are empty, He is able.
He can turn your ashes into beauty.
He can turn your darkness into morning.
He can turn your mourning into joy.
He can give you the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
This is the work of God’s “Beauty Parlour”—a divine exchange only He can perform.
(See Isaiah 61:3)
Be assured of this:
God never turns His back on a soul that is sincere before Him.
GOD IS A GOOD GOD
GOD KNOWS GOD LOVES GOD CARES
WRITTEN FOR GEORGES WEB MINISTRIES
25thMarch 2026