Lent Devotional: RestorationНамуна

God is a restorer. He always has been. From Genesis to Revelation, a thread runs through the Bible - God is making all things new.

This is good news for us all in such difficult times. As wars rage around the world, the cost of living rises, and our world seems to be getting darker, restoration is something we long for deep in our bones. It’s our human nature to want things to be better. On a global scale or closer to home, we know things are not as they should be.

In the gospels, we read story after story of Jesus restoring people to their God-given potential. He shows them a glimpse of God’s kingdom and his plan to renew all things.

Kamona’s story

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In Tearfund’s work with local churches worldwide, we see God is restoring hope for people living in extreme poverty, like Kamona in Bangladesh (pictured above). Through training from Tearfund’s local church partner, made possible by supporters like you, she was provided with a fishing net and equipment. Now, Kamona can fish everyday, and she sells her fish at the local market to earn an income and support her family.

This Lent, we’ll spend time praying for the restoration we long to see across the globe and in our own lives. But as we do, let’s not forget the greatest miracle of all – that God has restored our relationship with him.

In today’s passage, the curtain of the temple is torn in two. Everything that separates us from God is destroyed. God’s power and love have had the final say. He has overcome sin and death and restored us to a loving relationship with him.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are invited into his story of restoration. We long for the day when Jesus will return to make all things new. But as we wait, God invites us to partner with him, to pray and work towards restoration here on earth.

Reflect

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• What does restoration mean to you?
• Where do you long to see God bring restoration in your life? What might God be saying to you about it? Ask him to speak hope into your heart today.
• Where do you long to see God bring restoration into the world? How might God be inviting you to be part of that restoration?

Pray

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Father God,

Thank you for restoring me to a loving relationship with you through Jesus.

Thank you that the curtain has been torn, and I am yours, forever.

I long to see your restoration in every area of my life. [Bring to mind people or situations where God’s restoration is needed.]

Would you fill me with hope and faith that you really can restore all things?

In Jesus’ name, amen.

With every blessing,

Lydia Lewis

Editor