In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. – 1 Peter 5:10
To restore something means “to refit, repair or mend that which is broken.” That’s what God does best. And that’s what He does for us when we come to His Son, Jesus Christ, no matter what kind of shape we’re in.
I once worked with a man whose wife was a professional restorer of antique dolls. One day, while showing me her workshop, he pointed out an incoming group of damaged dolls from all over the world. Most of them were fine porcelain. Some had eyes that were gone, fingers that were badly chipped or missing, and the original silk and satin garments that dressed them, were badly soiled and torn. They were a mess!
My first thought was how could anyone make them look much better. Most of them looked beyond restoration. Then my friend took me to another part of her workshop to show me a group of dolls that were ready to be sent back to their owners. I couldn’t believe what I saw. They were all pristine and perfect. You would have never known how bad they were at one time.
Peter was writing to a group of Christians who were being badly persecuted for their faith. It was the time of Emperor Nero, one of the most cruel and sadistic mad men of all time. Many thought he was the antichrist. Peter points out that even though they were in a time of suffering, that God had not forgotten them. In fact, he promised that their suffering would last but a “little while,” and then God Himself would “restore” them. God would repair and mend that which had been broken.
Well, how about you today? Is there something in your life that needs to be restored, something that needs to be fixed that only God can repair? He will you know, because that’s what He has promised to do.
“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. – Malachi 4:2
Our Lord vows to personally, “restore, support and strengthen you.” That’s how much He loves us. All we have to do is ask. Maranatha!
