Restored.

I marvel at those who can take an old piece of furniture, or an antique car and restore it back to it’s original purpose. When I see the before and after pictures, sometimes, it seems to be more glorious and unique than it’s original state.

Restored defined:

: to give back (someone or something that was lost or taken) : to return (someone or something)

: to put or bring (something) back into existence or use

: to return (something) to an earlier or original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc. Merriam-Webster

In Luke 19:10 God tells us that the Son of Man came to “save that which was lost” and to “find and restore the lost”.

Joyce Meyer shared this verse in her message “It’s time to invest in yourself”.  She emphasized that Jesus’ greatest desire is to restore that which was lost because of the enemy.

God’s Word is clear about the enemy’s purpose in your life, and what Jesus’ purpose is for you:

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10

God’s purpose for you is to be in daily communication with Him through His Word and prayer. He delights in you, and wants to see you restored!  Your circumstances may never change, but you can.  You can decide to meet with God and pray for restoration and healing, and He will deliver!

A dear friend from Camp Willow Run Mother/Daughter Legacy Retreat stated “Never look at circumstances as signs of things to come–God is bigger!”  God’s ways are higher, and He restores “that which was lost”.

Invest in yourself.

How?

By investing in God’s Word.  Deliberately spend time with Him, and He will show up and speak to your circumstances. He’ll take the insecure and give them God confidence.  He’ll take the broken and abused and restore their youth.

...who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:5

God’s greatest desire is for you to truly believe that you are “created in His image”!  His image!  He has given you authority. (Genesis 1)

You have authority to claim and speak restoration and change into your life.  Never trust what your eyes see and what your feelings tell you.  Trust in God’s Word and promises and speak them out loud. Claim them!

Today, be encouraged that God is for you, and He WILL restore!  Just like the piece of furniture in the hands of the artist, we must yield and allow His work in our lives.  We must desire the “after” and spend time with the Master artist –Jesus.    Ephesians 3 reminds us that we have unlimited resources in Jesus–He will strengthen us and change us.  Unlimited resources are at our finger tips!  Lord, I pray that we acknowledge and live a life seeking and claiming Your unlimited resources, so that we will know and grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ!