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 NIV
Though I haven't watched it regularly (since the Bob Vila and Norm Abram days), I always enjoyed the PBS series This Old House. Today, you can watch similar shows 24 hours a day on HGTV, but TOH was the original. Each week the team would lead us through the restoration phases of a project. Whether it was a farmhouse or a lighthouse, and regardless of the state of disrepair, there was no challenge too great for this team of craftsmen.
At times, we all require restoration. Sometimes it may be more significant; our cellars may be leaky, and termites in our floor joists. Yet other times, it may only require fresh paint and wallpaper. Whether the renovation is small or large, we know the right guy for the job, Jesus Christ. There's nothing he can’t handle.
The beauty of being restored are the memories of our previous state. We can look back on the groundwater in the basement and compromised foundation with thankfulness for our regeneration. We praise Jesus Christ, the master carpenter, who, by his grace, calls us into his eternal glory.
God, we thank you for your restoration. We confess, at times, we fail to see beyond our current state. In pain, we grow discouraged and desperate. Forgive us; we pray, and help us recall the other restoration times. We've been here before, and by your amazing grace, you delivered us then and will do so again. May our experience serve as a reminder and a testimony for others. We offer our humble gratitude and praise to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
