Year of Beautiful Restoration
“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”- 1 Peter 5:10
As we are just a few days into 2020, I want to focus us on the pathway of promise that is before us, which we are to believe for and pursue with all our hearts. This past Sunday, the first of the new decade, I shared the theme the Holy Spirit has given to us for 2020. This is to be the Year of “Beautiful Restoration.”
This word, RESTORATION, means God will BRING BACK something we once had. He has the power and has promised to restore what has been lost, damaged, stolen, and even squandered. We must be clear in our understanding of what restoration is, because God indeed has something specific and special, He wants to do in our lives, minds, relationships, and circumstances. Again, He wants us to believe in it and pursue after it. In Matthew 7:7 Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Let me share five areas where I believe God wants to bring the promise of restoration to His people. Jesus did not die so we would be defined or riddled by our struggles.
1) The restoration of MINDS- That we would no longer be saddled with shame, fear, guilt, or insecurity. He wants us to rest in His presence, be still in the storm, and not fret over what tomorrow may bring. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing our your minds.”
2) The restoration of HEARTS- This has to do with our relationship with God and our faith walk. That we would live in true fellowship with Jesus, with a pure love, a renewed vigor, and a fresh sense of vision and purpose. In Psalm 51:12 David cries out in prayer, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.”
3) The restoration of RELATIONSHIPS- This area may be the one we have the hardest time believing in. That God would turn our broken, out of order, and toxic relationships and bring them to a place of health, unity, and reconciliation. God can work on our marriages, our relationship with our kids, and bringing us amazing friends. Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
4) The restoration of BODIES- For those dealing with pain, discomfort, and infirmity there can be a miracle healing and freedom! In the message I felt impassioned and even prophesied that we would see people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia restored to a sound mind. In Luke 4:18 Jesus declares, “God has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind.”
5) The restoration of the WORK OF MY HANDS- From the things you have diligently prayed to come to pass to raising your children to seeing great results on the job, God can bring provision, blessings, positive change, and growth! Psalm 90:17 declares, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
Keep these five areas in your focus and in your prayers as you seek the Lord for the places in your life that need the freedom and fullness of His Beautiful Restoration!