Restoration and “being restored” are commonly-heard concepts, especially in Christian culture. I tend to overlook the original power of such frequently-used words.

So today I paused to think about what it means to restore or experience restoration. The Bible tells us it is “to replace; to renew or revive; to return.” Four slightly different yet equally powerful definitions. I love that God through Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit utilizes each of these definitions in restoring us, His people.

Replace: God replaces our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

Renew: Through focusing on the Bible, we can renew our minds continually (Romans 12:2).

Revive: We are given new, everlasting life through the resurrection of Christ (Romans 6:4).

Return: Through the saving work of Jesus on the cross, we are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).

Is this magnificent, multi-faceted work of restoration done overnight? Certainly not, despite our anxious urgency to be made fully sanctified. The renewing of our individual hearts and wounds, our turning from sin and returning to God, and the restoration of broken families, marriages and physical bodies are all continual, painstaking work. The process is much like what happens when a mechanic restores old vehicles: the cars are taken apart to be rebuilt – slowly, with diligence and great care. Restored vehicles are often more beautiful in their renewed state than in their original condition.

How is God at work in replacing, renewing, reviving, and restoring areas of your life? How are you joining Him in this work of restoration in your family and greater community? Restoration is a beautiful process – not solely because of the outcome, but because restoration reflects the heart of our redeeming Creator.

What Does It Mean to Be Restored?
Rachel Lohman

June 3,2016 [printfriendly]