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Restoration: His Ultimate Plan

In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, everything was good (Gen. 1:1; Gen. 1:31). When sin entered the world the perfect order of things was broken. Yet hope was not lost. God had already written a victorious story of redemption and eternal restoration for humanity, which we all intrinsically long for.

At the core of who we are, we know there is something more to this life than what we physically see, for God has set eternity in the human heart. (Eccles. 3:11)

The Lord’s plan of redemption came by way of His Son Jesus. The prophet Isaiah announced that our Savior’s mission was to bring justice and hope to the nations (Isa. 42:1; Matt. 12:17-18), to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. (Luke 4:18)

Jesus is the revelation of God’s love for mankind and salvation for all who believe. (John 3:16-17) He hung on the cross and died, victoriously disarming the enemy and canceling the debt of our sins. (Col. 2:14-15) On the third day Christ rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:4) and is now seated at the right hand of God. (Col. 3:1)

Just before giving up His spirit, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) His redemptive work was accomplished, but the story isn’t over. We still experience suffering, sorrow, and death, and the longing for ultimate restoration is ever present.

The Apostle Paul said that our current sufferings are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. (Rom. 8:11) Jesus said He’s coming soon. (Rev. 22:7, 12, 20) He will wipe away every tear and put an end to death, mourning, crying, and pain. He is making everything new! We can trust Him to fulfill His promise. (Rev. 21:5)

Discussion Questions for Reflection and Application

1. How do you relate to the passage in Romans 8 about groaning inwardly and waiting eagerly for the redemption of our bodies? In other words, in what ways do you long for heaven?
2. Have you imagined the new heaven and the new earth -- a world with no evil, no sin, no pain, but perfect love and harmony between God and all His people? Does that bring comfort in the midst of persistent injustice and tragedy?
3.How does God’s plan of ultimate restoration encourage you as you intercede for victims of human trafficking?

A Prayer of Hope for the Future of Survivors

“Where there is hope, there is life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.” –Anne Frank

Dear Father,

Your Word says that hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Prov. 13:12) You know the longings in the hearts of every survivor of sex trafficking. You are aware of every hope deferred along their difficult journey. But God, you will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish. (Ps. 9:18)

God our Savior, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth. (Ps. 65:5) Fill these survivors with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit they may abound in hope. (Rom. 15:13) Lord, they have overcome horrific obstacles. Give them courage to dream again. In the name of Jesus’ I pray, amen.