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Word Study: Restore

re·​store | \ ri-ˈstȯr (transitive verb)

restored; restoring


1 : GIVE BACK; RETURN

2 : to put or bring back into existence or use

3 : to bring back to or put back into a former or original state : RENEW

4 : to put again in possession of something


I’ve been thinking a lot about this word. It’s powerful. Just consider the definition. 


Imagine for a moment that you have a priceless heirloom that is no longer in production. Suddenly, the heirloom is ruined, stolen, or misplaced. Unfortunately, many who went through Hurricane Michael can probably identify with this. Now, imagine that you are wandering through a thrift store and you just happen to see your priceless treasure! It’s in terrible condition, but you lovingly take the time to put it back together piece by piece. It’s one of a kind. Special in so many ways. You are overjoyed to have found it and take such pride in showing it off when company comes over because of its special meaning. You tell everyone the story of this restoration and gleam with joy when you see how your friends admire your special treasure.


Are you thinking of that heirloom? That priceless treasure? Maybe it’s a hand-made item lovingly put together by a long-gone parent or grandparent. Perhaps it’s a fragile piece that has been passed down for generations. 


For our loving Father in Heaven, WE are the treasure. He takes us as we are and restores us to Him. Not only that, He gives restoration in other areas of our lives where we have come in like a hurricane. He longs for us to be back in right relationship with Him and with each other. But we have to want that restoration. Holy Spirit doesn’t force Himself in where He’s not been welcomed. He waits patiently for us to finally invite Him to come into the broken places. And then He gleams with joy as He pieces together the brokenness. 


Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created...” Being a creative person myself, I absolutely love envisioning my Heavenly Father creating and orchestrating and moving in and around everything I do and say. He created me to create! I love the creative process, but for me, the joy comes in the subtle details that make the big picture unique. See, when you create something, you already know how the end result should be. 


Going back to restoration, God begins creating opportunities the moment we turn it over to Him. He delights in what the end result will be, but He makes a point of putting the specific details in to restore something. And when God restores something, He doesn’t go backward with it. He doesn’t re-create the past. He takes what He has to work with and creates an amazing future. 


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.

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