Restoring a Life

We are in the process of restoring our deck. For the last several years we have discussed replacing the deck with a patio. Because of this, we have not performed the yearly upkeep required to maintain the deck. Paint was wearing off in spots and some of the boards were no longer nailed down securely. In addition, we had placed a bag of what appeared to be ashes from our fireplace on the deck. There had been an ember that was still burning in those ashes. It had burned through the bag and created a hole in several of the planks. (By God’s grace we found this before it became more serious.)  With all this, the deck was not in good shape.

Because of the condition of the deck, there has been a considerable amount of work to prepare to repaint and restore the deck. We purchased a special paint that would both fill in cracks and imperfections in the existing planks and seal the deck against Wisconsin weather. We were able to match this with a less expensive outdoor paint to use on the railings of the deck. My husband and son have since worked on scraping up old paint, replacing burned planks and nailing down the planks that had come away from the base. Each step is time-consuming and requires hard work. But it will all be worth it when the project is completed.

God is in the process of restoring the life of each of His children. There is value in each person God has created. He sent his son Jesus to pay the ultimate price to redeem us. Although others (and we, ourselves) may see only the cracks, damage and other residue of our previous state in life, God sees the potential. Where we see our failures, God sees opportunity to bring beauty from the ashes. “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.’ (Isaiah 61:3 AMP)  The restoration process in our lives brings glory unto God.

The key word here is process. Although we like to see the finished product, God is concerned with each step along the way. He wishes to totally restore everything that has been lost or hurtful in our lives. But He does this piece by piece, trial by trial. We may wonder why we do not become perfect right after we come into a relationship with Jesus. Our spirit has been totally transformed, but it takes a little longer for our soul to catch up. In fact, it takes a lifetime to be molded into His image.

The process of restoring our deck begins with taking off the old and repairing the broken. In our walk with God this process involves getting rid of old mindsets and building a total trust in Him. “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2 AMP)  He transforms us by His power and His word. As we begin to think of ourselves in the same manner as written in the Scriptures, the cracks in our lives begin to be filled in. He will turn situations around and bring opportunities to share His love with others.

This process may be slow and it may be painful. But as the days pass and we grow closer to God we may find that He has changed misery into ministry. Though we do not understand all that happens during the restoration process, we can trust that God, our restorer, knows what is best for us. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9 AMP) and ^“As for God, His way is perfect!” (Psalm 18:30a AMP)

I look out the glass doors from my kitchen and see the partially finished deck. The newly restored portion is beautiful and vibrant. The work in progress still has some paint to scrape and flaws to be evened out. But it too, will soon look like new. There was no reason to demolish and replace this deck. With a little more work it will be a beautiful addition to our home and backyard.

As we consider our lives we must strive to see the areas that God has already worked on. There is beauty in us. Some of it has already been restored and shines with the vibrancy of Jesus Christ. Other parts are in various stages of restoration. There are some habits and attitudes that still need to be scraped away. There may be many areas of work that still lay ahead. But looking at our entire lifetime gives us hope of the beauty yet to come.

Whatever condition your life is currently in, look at the entire picture. God has done beautiful things and has many more planned. Enjoy the process as well as the finished product. Others will be also able to enjoy Him through you.