A Restoration Mentality

Good morning, church. I want to open up with a little chuckle for you. There was a man who walked into a shop to get his watch fixed. He told the watch repairman that it was an antique, passed down from his great-great-grandfather, and it was precious to him. The watchmaker looked at the watch and then looked back at the man. "Sir," he said with a grin, "this watch is not an antique. I sold it to you three years ago." Sometimes, what we think is beyond repair only requires a bit of fine-tuning.

Isn't it amazing how God sees us in much the same way? No matter how broken, how worn out, how used up we may feel, God sees us as something precious that He longs to restore. 

Our scripture for today's sermon is from Joel 2:25-26. "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten... You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you." 

In these verses, God promises restoration to His people after a period of devastation and loss. This promise of restoration is not just about recovering what was lost, but a complete renewal and improvement of their condition.

What is this "Restoration Mentality"? 

Firstly, having a restoration mentality means acknowledging our brokenness. In Psalm 51:17, David said, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." David recognized his brokenness and humbly came before God. It is in this place of brokenness that God begins His work of restoration.

Secondly, having a restoration mentality involves trusting in God's power and desire to restore us. Jeremiah 17:14 says, "Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." Jeremiah expressed his total trust in God’s ability to restore him.

Thirdly, having a restoration mentality means being patient. Restoration is a process and it takes time. But as we remain patient and faithful, God's promises will unfold. Habakkuk 2:3 reminds us, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time...though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

Finally, having a restoration mentality involves actively participating in the process. We can’t just sit back and expect God to do all the work. We have to do our part as well. James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." God can restore us, but He requires our active participation in the process.

So, brothers and sisters, today I want to encourage you. No matter what you've been through, no matter how broken or worn out you feel, have a restoration mentality. God is in the business of restoring His people. And He longs to restore you.

In your brokenness, He sees something precious. In your weariness, He sees strength that can be renewed. In your despair, He sees hope that can be revived. And in your emptiness, He sees a vessel that can be filled. 

Remember, we serve a God of restoration, and He wants to restore you. Embrace that restoration mentality and watch God transform your life. 

God bless you all.