Radiance in the Remains

Maddie Miller

What small pieces of ash and soot remain. Lifeless and burnt and dead yet still being held in the Maker’s mind, it exists for a purpose. This is the soil that was chosen for this time. For it rests in the remains. All else has been burnt away and here is what is left that matters, the little specs of dirt and dust. The Father looks on them with delight, He sees the life they will breed, He knows the hope within, He loves them with the joy that will come a time later. The glory that ensues from these little seeds fills the soul with wonder and awe. Once a tall tree now burned to ash for the sake and will of the Father. What radiance do they have now? With the eyes of faith one can see the radiance within the remains.

“She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

{Luke 2: 7}

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

{John 1: 5}

“I will put a new spirit in you that you may come to life, and I will settle you in your land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. I have spoken; I will do it – oracle of the LORD.”

{Ezekiel 37: 14}

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you – oracle of the LORD – plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope.”

{Jeremiah 29: 11}

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning flee away.”

{Isaiah 35: 10, Israel’s Deliverance}

“The LORD is trustworthy in all his words,

and loving in all his works.

The LORD supports all who are falling

and raises up who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look hopefully to you;

you give them their food in due season.

You open wide your hand

and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The LORD is just in all his ways,

merciful in all his works.

The LORD is near to all who call upon him,