Our God Restores

"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” - Joel 2:25 (ESV)

Over the years, I have experienced loss in different ways. Not just loss in terms of a person close to me transitioning to Heaven. But, loss in a variety of areas. From the loss of a job and loss of a baby (both in the same year) to the loss of confidence in moments when I felt like my business wasn't growing, to the loss of myself because I didn't care for my soul properly --- loss is painful and sometimes leaves you feeling empty.

One of the things that has kept me is remembering that our God is a restorer. He restores the things that we lose. Now, does that mean we get back the exact thing we lost? Not always. But I believe it means that He will restore the opportunity to experience His best!
I want you to consider that for yourself today. In my journey, I have held on to this promise:

1 Peter 5:10 (NLT) - "In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation."

The Lord is so kind to us. Our suffering is not the end of the story. Our God restores. AND... in that restoration process, we are supported and strengthened. AND... when we experience His restoration in its fullness (which we WILL), we will find ourselves standing on solid ground. 

So, what's your part in all of this? 

1. Acknowledge your need for restoration

The first step in your restoration journey is simply taking a posture of humility. It's going to the Father and presenting Him with your brokenness. It's presenting it in faith that God’s power can make you whole again. Spend some time talking to Him and openly sharing your hurts, losses, and areas where you need restoration.

Psalm 51:17 (NLT) - “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”

2. Trust in God's timing and His ways

There is a greater level of trust that you will operate in as you get a greater revelation that God’s ways are higher than your ways (Isaiah 55:9), and His timing is perfect. Trusting in God means believing that He knows the best way and time to restore you. On your restoration journey, reflect on past situations where God’s timing proved to be perfect, even if it didn’t seem so initially. Let these reflections strengthen your trust in Him for your current situation.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT) - “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” 

3. Stay rooted in scripture and prayer

The Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to heal, renew, and restore. Combine this with constant communication with God through prayer, and you will create the perfect atmosphere for restoration. Make the quality decision to be intentional with this. Dedicate a specific time each day for Bible study and prayer. Focus on scriptures that speak of God’s promises of restoration and renewal.

Psalm 19:7 (NLT) - “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”

4. Embrace community support

I think it's the neatest thing that God allows people to be a part of our story. He often works through people to bring about healing and restoration. Being part of a faith-based community can provide the encouragement, support, and accountability that you need on your restoration journey. Go ahead and take that step today to get involved in a community group, Bible study, or small group within your church community. AND... of course, I want to invite you to engage MORE inside of THIS community, The Live Love Lead Community.

Galatians 6:2 (NLT) - “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

How can you apply this in your life: Embrace your restoration journey and believe BIG in the process!

Dear God, thank you for being a God of restoration. I believe that you will bring my beauty from my ashes and joy from mourning. I acknowledge my need for you today. I choose to trust in Your timing. As I stay focused on Your Word and embrace the community You have given me, I position myself to receive the fullness of Your restorative power. I believe that no situation is too hard and no brokenness too deep for you to restore. Thank you for my restoration journey. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Thanks for hanging out with me today! I'd love to connect further. Join my community, The Live Love Lead Community. We are a group of purpose-driven women living Christ-centered lives. 

I love you with the love of Christ! ~ April Nicole Scipio 💛