ServantOne
Helping Others Get To Where They Want To Go
Restoration
res-to-ra-tion /restəˈrāSHən/
Noun:
- The return of something to a former owner, place, or condition.
- The process of repairing or renovating a building, work of art, etc., so as to restore it to its original condition.
Synonyms: renovation – restitution – reconstruction – renewal
I am fascinated by people who are skilled in restoring things. Furniture, cars, family heirlooms . . . I am in awe at their perception, their patience and their purpose. I don’t initially see the potential in things that are broken or in ruin. Nor do I clearly understand the processes needed to make things “like new.” 
From some inquiry, it seems that the most effective manner of restoration requires that an item be “stripped down” to it’s base. Paint and finish removed. Surfaces sand-blasted and cleaned. Cracks and holes filled. Time to cure. Surfaces cleaned again. Finally, a new finish applied.
Some do not want to engage in this kind of tedious, painstaking and exhaustive process. The end result of skipping steps or taking shortcuts produces an artificial representation, instead of an authentic restoration.
A restoration for broken lives follows a similar process. A ancient prophet of Israel wrote, “Come, let us return to The Lord; for He has torn us, that He may heal us; He has struck us down, and He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him. Let us know; let us press on to know The Lord; His going out is sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:1-3 ESV)
Considering the inspirational words of Hosea, we can experience four powerful realities.
- Humility – The power of Return: Acknowledging Who He is and who I am mandates no other expression but humility. A humble heart provides me access to His grace and mercy. I return to my Creator.
- Help – The power of Redemption: The only help I need originates in my redemption. He has found me, seen my value and purchased me with His most valued blood.
- Healing -The power of Renewal: He revives me and gives new meaning, renewed value and renewing purpose. He heals all my faults, me defects and my flaws.
- Hope – The power of Resurrection: my hope is no longer found in my possessions, my prominence, or my pleasures . . . it is now found in His resurrection power.
So, what are some practical strategies that help us live in the continual process of restoration.
- Reject passivity – I must be purposeful, intentional and responsible. If I don’t reject the natural pull to of being passive, I will not change, I will not grow, I will not gain.
- Remember the past, but don’t live in it – I can not change the past, but I can be free from the chains of the past.
- Regularly and consistently connect with God – He is my source. He is my strength. He is my stability. This strategic acknowledgement and act is the sole priority for my soul.
- Refocus with the end in mind – I am a everyday man with an eternal mindset. I live in today but I live for tomorrow.
Today is a new day with new opportunities, new adventures and new challenges . . . and I am a new man.
Returned. Redeemed. Renewed. RESTORED.
ServantOne 