The Work of Restoration

Recently, I’ve been working on repairing some old rotten siding as we prepare to paint our house in a couple of weeks. I admire folks who get a kick out of restoration projects, but if I'm honest there’s a lot about them I don't particularly enjoy. From my experience restoration work is a slow arduous process that generally involves more time, and effort than I expect. Once I start uncovering what I think is the problem it often becomes clear that there is more than meets the eye. However, every time I have finished repairing a section of siding I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders and my thoughts are always the same…” I’m glad I did that. It was worth it”.

The same is true of the spiritual work that Christ does in us as we increasingly trust in him and submit to his will for us. Like any restoration, our spiritual renewal can be slow and arduous and it can uncover things that we wish we didn't have to deal with. But I’ve also found, as God restores me into the person he’s created me to be, I feel the weight of my own brokenness being lifted off of me and I can honestly say, “Thank you Jesus, you are worth it”. And what’s even more beautiful is that Jesus says the same thing about us!. Hebrews tells us that for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame. His joy is our restoration and he sacrificed everything for it. Thank you Jesus! May we fix our eyes on you, the author and perfecter of our faith. Give us grace to faithfully follow you!