There is a disturbing secret among Christians. Among all the testimonies of people who have been miraculously delivered from desperate situations--terminal diseases, financial ruin, oppression, mental distress, and physical harm, are the stories of those who aren't. These people stood in faith trusting God to deliver them, yet they still lost their jobs, had loved ones die, and are sometimes in physical danger. The believers face immense pain and the shame of not having a miracle occur in their lives. While others rejoice and praise the Lord, these believers struggle to lift their voices in praise, believing that they have nothing but ashes left.

I know how these believers feel for I have stood in their shoes. I have praised the Lord with my voice while I choked on the ashes in my mouth. I have wondered what I could have done to make God hate me. I have endured darkness and confusion, but I have also discovered that God never left me. Instead, He has enabled me to come out of my ashes and rediscovered my hope of a beautiful place with God in His kingdom.