In the world of advertisements, promises to restore damaged things are many. From restoration of old photographs, to restoration of flooded homes, the possibilities seem endless. However, they all lack one thing: the ability to restore the years that are lost.
In the Bible we see a time when the Israelites needed a restoration. Locusts swarmed in, wrecked their hard-earned harvest, stole their daily food, and even took a bite out of future harvest by devouring the seeds.
In the midst of these seemingly unending years of disaster, depression, and destroyed hope, the word of the Lord comes through prophet Joel:
Joel 2:25-26 (ESV): I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten …And my people shall never again be put to shame.
The verses preceding this provide its context, revealing that these events are God’s response to rebellion and disobedience. Even in seasons of punishment and correction, we can find assurance that it all rests under the careful control of our loving Almighty God.
The hope of restoration bestowed by God is unlike any the world can offer. His restoration process turns devastation into unparalleled beauty, leaving no remnants of its previous condition.
Let’s look at two examples of people whose lives were restored.
Abraham and Sarah
For a quarter-century, this couple patiently awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise for a child. Despite moments where they deviated from the divine plan, causing a delay, God’s faithfulness remained unwavering.
Genesis 23:1: Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah.
Sarah is the only woman in the Bible whose years are mentioned at her death. Have you wondered why? It is to demonstrate to us that Sarah had 37 years to spend with, to laugh with, to enjoy the promise of God – Issac!
Peter The Disciple
Peter’s walk with Jesus resembled a roller coaster ride, complete with moments of triumph and despair, including his denial of Jesus at the time of crucifixion. Yet, the Lord wasn’t done with Peter. On the shores of the Sea of Tiberias, where Peter had resumed fishing, Jesus appeared, initiating the restoration of their relationship.
John 21:17 (ESV): He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter…said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep”
John 21:19 (ESV): … And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Peter was given a second chance to follow Jesus, and this time he did not disappoint. Acts 2:17-41 describes the Day of Pentecost when Peter stood up and gave his first speech. Three thousand people were saved and became followers of Jesus!
Do you see the restoring power of the Lord? The man who denied Jesus 3 times, was asked 3 times if he loved Jesus, and in his first evangelism sermon, 3000 people signed the pledge card!
Peter writes in his epistle about the restoration power he experienced.
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV): And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ … will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Life Application
Maybe you’ve been the one who let Him down repeatedly, and you don’t feel like you can be restored. Perhaps life’s trials, loss of a loved one, ongoing ailments, or shattered dreams have made you lose focus on Him. God is still doing miracles and restoring lives. So allow the Master Renovator to restore your lost years. Regardless of why the years slipped away, He has the power to revive, refresh, and transform you into something truly beautiful.
Dew Drops of Manna 