Redemption Road: When God Restores What You Lost (Part 1)Sample

Joseph: Microwaveable Restoration

I recall a season of drought in my life. I had suffered a devastating heartbreak, my business was on the brink of closing, I had taken some financial blows, and I was on the edge of a depressive breakdown. It was tough. During that season, I became good friends with shame, fear, pride, and confusion. Too ashamed to talk to anyone, I finally did what had worked for me in the past — I spent some time in prayer and fasting.

Have you ever seen the social media meme of the little girl standing in front of Jesus? She is holding on for dear life to a small teddy bear. In front of her is Jesus, one arm extended and the other behind him holding on to a larger teddy bear. He says to her, “just trust me.” That is what I expected by restoration process to resemble. In my plans, I would pray and fast for a few days, lay my broken heart, the mounting bills, and the fledgling business at the feet of Jesus. In turn, He would quickly exchange them for those exceeding and abundant blessings the Bible talks about. I had heard others testify of overnight breakthroughs, so why couldn’t I also be a candidate for one?

You can probably guess where this is going. Yes, I saw God redeem and restore. No, it was nothing like what I expected. It turned out to be a three-year brick-by-brick miraculous process of unlearning, learning, and healing that taught me that, to God, restoration is not about replacement but intimacy.

Joseph’s life illustrates the value of the journey perfectly. Near the end of his story, he reconnects with the brothers that betrayed him. It would have been easy for Joseph to build a new community and choose not to have anything to do with his biological family. However, his redemption story was full of pitstops that God used to rebuild his character. Amid heartache, he was practicing forgiveness, dealing with his pride, honing his ability to be reliant on God, and making divine connections that would come in handy later. It was a long and arduous process, but every step was crafted intentionally by God.

By the time Joseph reconnected with those who betrayed him, he was a completely different person—more powerful but also gracious. He became the kind of man who, rather than taunt them with I-told-you-so’s, chose to reflect the new character the journey developed in him.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to rush You. Thank You for doing it Your way. I trust that You see what is ahead and that You have my best interest in mind. I pray that You would help me be patient and attentive to what You are trying to teach me in my journey.