Our Hope: Restoration

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13 (NKJV)

The word “restoration” has many nuances, or meanings.  And even though the actual definition shows it as a noun, it can also be an act, or a verb.

Merriam-Webster defines restoration as a noun in this way:

: the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

: the act of bringing back something that existed before

: the act of returning something that was stolen or taken

In God’s Word, restoration exists for many different situations.  The Bible makes references to restoration of faith, trust, relationships, spirituality, fortunes, health, joy, honor, and hope.  There are so many variations of restoration that there is nothing that cannot be restored by our God.

All of us are in need of restoration at one time or another.  Some of these situations may be caused by our own lack of wisdom, or even by sin.  Some may be events that were brought upon us by others, and not of our own doing. Injustices are common in our society, and even though innocent of any misdeed, damage may still be done to the object of the accusation.

Jesus was always ready to bring restoration to any and all.  He still is today!  And we can find reference to restoration in those around us if we just look.  But people become tired and weary while in the midst of whatever they have lost, whether it be a relationship, a fortune, their good reputation.  When they receive the restoration they need, they can once again hold their head up high, and finally breathe without effort.

Job is a perfect example of a man who required restoration.  He lost his family, his herds of animals.  His health suffered, and his wife became angry at him and God.  He was not sure of his friends anymore.  He did not understand what he had done to anger His God.  Yet when all was said and done, his faith was still intact.  It never wavered, it never waned.  He did not curse God, he did not doubt Him.  He only wondered why.

 “And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends.  Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”  Job 42:10

While Job did not need restoration of faith, he certainly did for nearly everything else.  His faith was rewarded in a huge way.  He saw the absolute goodness of his LORD.

Jesus is Our Hope.  He has issued the invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)  Because we are so often in need of rest, and of the restoration that only He can provide, He is the only hope we have.  He never fails us, and He will never leave us.  He will work out the worst things for our good.  He is hope incarnate.  He is Jesus.

When did you require restoration, and how did you receive it? Please post a comment here or go to www.mystoryofgrace.com and share your story with us!

Blessings!