The Bible says that “…anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT). As Christ-followers, this renewal is significantly more than just the restoration of our original self before sin and brokenness took over.

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His extravagant love for us by giving double what was originally experienced. Isaiah 61:7 says, “Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” We see the Lord doubling His peoples’ prosperity and promising boundless joy.

In the book of Job a godly, tragedy-stricken man prayed for his friends. When he did, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before!

When we follow Jesus, we are not just a new creation; we are more than we could ever have been without Him. While a life based on God’s truth does not always mean the absence of calamity, it does mean that our blessings in Him will abound when we follow Him wholeheartedly.

Whatever you are walking through today, remember God’s promise of restoration and blessing: “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Restoration Plus
Melissa Lobozzo

June 20, 2016 [printfriendly]