Beauty for Ashes

I know this one is a little late but it’s still Sunday somewhere. Have you ever thought about the origin of the Hawaiian Islands. They are the product of lava flow on the bottom of the ocean. They have grown as the lava flowed over many, many years. Parts of the Island chain still sit over the hot spot and continue to grow.  The evidence of this can be found on all the islands but especially the Islands of Maui and Hawaii (AKA “The Big Island”). 

I've been to multiple Hawaiian islands and I have to admit, they are among the most beautiful places on earth. Several of the islands have multiple climates and attributes (rain forests, desert, mountains, etc.). They are amazing. I can understand why some would visit and decide to never leave. However let's get back to the point at hand. Out of molten rock, life and beauty. There are many species of plant and tree and animal that can only be found on the Hawaiian Islands so they couldn’t have been brought from other places. You might think how can this be but I offer you – God.

Science hadn't yet figured out how He did it and I suspect it never will. It reminds how amazing God is. Out of fire and ash He can bring something beautiful. On the “Big Island” where there is still active volcanic activity, you see areas where the lava has been crushed next to resorts and along roads. It is an amazing things to see. Contrast it to the island of Kauai (the “Garden Isle” and the oldest Island in the chain), where there is currently no volcanic activity and hasn’t been for years. Less than 90% of the Island is developed and you can see the beauty God created in His own time there that remains untouched by humans for the most part. Out of the Ashes on Kauai, lushness beyond imagining exists (until you see it for yourself). I imagine it must be similar to what Eden was like. 

If God can do that out of fire and ash after creating a whole world, what can’t He do? Absolutely nothing (Jer 32:27). God can do anything (Matt 19:26). Nothing is impossible (Luke 18:27) with Him and no matter what is going on in our lives He can turn it around and give us beauty for the ashes (Isa 61:1-3) left behind in the destruction of our lives. We just have to let Him. And what I mean is, we have to choose Him and let Him lead us. We must choose His son as Lord and Savior. We will still have tests and trials, but He will be with His children. Those who are not His children are already separated from Him by sin (doing what is contrary to His ways). What do you choose? Life or Separation (death)?