I was reminded today of a time when all that I had planned for my life was wiped out, burned up into what I saw as an ugly, worthless pile of ashes.  It’s funny how our memories can unexpectedly take us back in time like that.  During that time, I really lost all sight of who I was, who God is, what love is.  I wasn’t sure about anything, because I had invested so much of myself into things that weren’t meant to be, and then it was all just gone.  It was a painful season in my life, one that broke me spiritually, mentally, and physically.  But God… He took my pile of ashes and used them to create the beautiful life that I now have and am so undeserving of.  In losing what I thought was beautiful at the time, I also “lost” a lot of garbage that I clung so tightly to.  One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.”  Not everything that happens is good, but God can work it all out for our good.  If what I thought was so great back then hadn’t been taken away, I wouldn’t have the life that I have now.  I can see a ripple effect of things that have happened since that time.  How that season brought about so much growth, and how everything beautiful in my life might not be if I hadn’t gone through the experiences that I did.  It’s mostly a vague memory now, but I can almost feel God nudging me and saying (with a smile and a wink), “Hey, you remember that time when you doubted me? Didn’t I tell you to trust me?”  Never forget who God is, never lose faith, no matter what is going on.  It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, what you have gone through, or what lies ahead.  If you have a mountain of gold or a handful of ashes, your circumstances aren’t guaranteed to remain unchanged.  But God… He is always faithful, He knows our needs better than we do, and He will work out EVERYTHING for the good of those who love Him.