Restoration and Increase
To Restore: To bring back to an original condition. To put (someone) back in a former position. To heal, redeem, refresh, renew, revitalize, revive, strengthen
At a time when people are thinking about resolutions and changes they need to make (and too often these changes are surface changes only), I’m thinking about restoration and increase. Already this year is having a theme for me, the theme of Restoration. In just the time frame of 2 weeks I’ve had a portion of my family restored to me, my love for my husband has not only been renewed but increased as well and I feel my inner peace has been restored.
The Spirit of God has led me, not by my own will or mind, to The Principle of Restoration. Not by my hand or by my works have I been restored but by the miraculous workings of God. Our God, a God of promises (promises that He keeps), continually assures us of restoration when we seek Him passionately. Over the last few months I’ve sought him like never before and I can truly point towards Heaven and say only by His hand have I been restored.
Many years ago, a portion of my family was stolen from me, not by death, but by bitterness and pride. With no one willing to lay aside hurt feelings, the gap of resentment and time grew wider and wider. And even though I had in my own strength and ability had forgiven and sought forgiveness there had been no breakthrough in communication for nearly 14 years!
My husband less than 2 months ago told me to pray, REALLY pray for that part of my family, and by God’s workings only was there a sudden opening for a possibility of restoration of the family. Walking in God’s will and after seeking Him, I took hold of the opportunity to reach out and what I believed to be an impossibility is now a reality. I have been reunited with a part of my family that I honestly never thought I would speak to again, at least not while on this earth. Now with restoration in those relationships, we can look toward increase. A relationship that had literally been stolen from me has been restored and can someday be even stronger. If we learn from the past, continue to work together in the will of God and remember that we cannot control anything or anyone except our own attitudes and ourselves; I know successful living will be ours.