Today, I would like to encourage you with the thought that ‘God is a God of restoration.’ When God restores, He restores back with double and more than what we have lost. You may have been through some trials and tough times, but God wants to bless you abundantly. Sometimes we go through things in life and our character and our faith is tested. We are refined like gold in the fire and it is as we come through this process that God does the restoring that we need.
The enemy is defeated and we stand on Christ’s finished work. Whatever the enemy takes from us, Jesus restores. Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
I love the story of Job. Not because Job went through so many terrible trials, but because in spite of all the enemy did to try and destroy him, God had plans to bring great blessing to him. Job 42:10 tells us “After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.” No matter what the enemy has thrown at you, God has a plan to turn it around to bless you! When you are in God’s kingdom, He has the ability to make ALL things work together for good! (Romans 8:28)
I also love the story of Peter. He had his faith tested; the enemy threw everything at him. He lost his calling to ministry, he lost his faith in Jesus, he had lost his faith in God’s ability to provide; and in spite of all he did, God brought mighty restoration to his life. Jesus said in Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Peter responds to Jesus in verse 33 “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answers, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Not only did Jesus say he would be tested, but He prophesies that he would fail the test! And of course Peter is tested and three time he denies Jesus!
After Jesus dies, Peter says in John 21:3 “I’m going out fishing, the disciples said “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.” Peter had gone through a season of severe testing. His faith and loyalty to Jesus was tested; his faith in God’s provision was tested; he had been sifted like wheat and then Jesus came to him. Sometimes Jesus just shows up when we need him the most!
There are times in life when we feel like giving up on God because we go through so many devastating situations, but I’m believing God today, that Jesus will visit you! Jesus came to Peter, filled his nets to overflowing, restored Him to a place of ministry, and restored his relationship with Jesus, Himself. God can restore many things to our lives, but the most precious thing we can have restored is our relationship with Jesus.
Peter and the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing, Peter had denied Christ and now, here was the wonderful grace of God in operation. Even when we don’t deserve it, God will restore us. Jesus loved Peter so much; He knew that the enemy had robbed Peter and now Jesus wanted to restore him. And Jesus loves you today. You are the apple of His eye. You are the reason that He came to suffer and die, and He has great plans to prosper you and give you a wonderful future! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Today, no matter where you are or what you are going through, don’t allow the enemy to whisper in your ear that things will be this way forever. I am believing that Jesus will meet with you in a special way and bring restoration to your life. I believe you will receive double for all of your trouble!
If you enjoyed this word of encouragement, please feel free to sign up for future words of encouragement and updates of our ministry endeavors, by joining our mailing list on the top right hand side of this page.
