Restoration

Forgiveness, Healing, Restoration…

My husband and I like to watch TV shows about home renovations. Some old houses are totally gutted, and everything is replaced by modern materials and décor. Other historical houses are rebuilt to their former glory using antique pieces and salvaged material that fit the original style of the house. The plumbing and electrical wiring are updated, and a lot of work is put into reinforcing structural damage. I especially love it when the designers rip up carpeting and find hardwood flooring underneath! It’s fun to watch these transformations on TV, but I would not want to go through a home renovation in real life.
 
We all look forward to being restored to our former, whole condition. Sometimes, a layer of ourselves is removed to reveal God’s original perspective. Like hardwood, it might need some refinishing, but the end result is worth all the work. Other things, like innocence and idealism, can never be renovated to their original state. Instead, they have to be replaced by stronger support beams like maturity, clarity, and wisdom.

“I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
Lay your foundations with sapphires,
construct your towers with rubies,
Your gates with jewels,
and all your walls with precious stones.
All your children will have God for their teacher—
what a mentor for your children!
You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness,
far from any trouble—nothing to fear!
far from terror—it won’t even come close!
If anyone attacks you,
don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them,
And if any should attack,
nothing will come of it.” (Isaiah. 54:7-11 MSG)