A little over 40 years ago, I, who have “two left thumbs,” (meaning no handy skills), sanded and stained a used single headboard for my youngest son. I restored it to a maple finish to match a treasured dresser that was mine as a young child.  This would now become part his big boy bedroom.  I was so proud of my accomplishment. That was also my last attempt at “tools” and “woodworking.” I am heir to several pieces of furniture that I cherish. A wooden trunk from Conestoga wagon times had previously been painted and repainted by other family members.  I called a restorer who stripped the trunk and created a gorgeous piece of furniture that has a specific place in my home.

Restoration means, “the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.” According to Biblical scholars the reference to restore/restoration occurs 136 times in the Bible. Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Job 42:10 And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Mark 8:25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

I was overjoyed and so pleased with the restoration of my pieces of furniture. Can you or I even fathom the restoration extended by Jesus? Obviously, the restoration, whether physical, financial, emotional or spiritual would be absolutely perfect!  No flaws.  No imperfections.  No wormholes or knots.

If you are feeling weak, sad, empty, flawed and not at all like a child of God.  Turn yourself over to be planed, sanded, refinished and restored by our Lord.  He will make you new.  You are His child and worthy in His sight. He loves you unconditionally. Trust the restoration process. The results within you will shine like a beacon for others.

Jill