Restoration
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [carry it on to completion] until the day of Jesus Christ..” Philippians 1:6
Today, I attended the car show that the Timberline Church Men’s Ministry sponsored. It was an enjoyable event with lots of great cars. It was actually one of my first car shows to attend. There was a variety of cars from antiques, to muscle cars to custom cars. What got my attention was some of the comments from the car owners as the trophies were handed out for the various categories.
One of the car owners commented about the number of years they had their 1957 Chevy before they even started the restoration process and then told the number of years it took to get it into the shape they planned. Another just said, “I have too much money in that car!” Others shared about the time and commitment that went into their project. Others commented about those who helped with doing the body paint or the upholstery.
All of this got my attention about the Lord’s work in our lives. Car restoration takes patience, perseverance, time, money and the help of others. And one of the most important elements is the restorer has a picture in their mind of the finished product.
I am reminded of 1 John 3:2 “…we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.“
We may not fully comprehend or appreciate the “finished product” of our life, but the Lord does, and that is what is important. What we can be assured of is that we belong to Him and He will work on us and in us and through us to accomplish His purposes.
I am also encouraged when I think, it is never too late for the process to begin. The rust and ruin of some cars may seem to be too great. To some it is useless, to others it is, “rusty gold.” I am thankful that the Lord does not look at us as we are, but He looks at us for what we can become in Him. That is why He chose some unlikely men to follow Him and to be His disciples and to be those who would change the world.
I am thankful the Lord “carries on His work.” He keeps at it, engages others, pays the cost and takes the time until we are at home in His presence.
Whatever has damaged your life, whatever needs to be restored, you can be confident that there is a master restorer who desires to work in your life to bring you to the place of full beauty, value and potential.