Glimpses of God's Restoration In Your Life
God’s restoration starts where things look hopeless, and it begins with beholding Him
My Story
Have you ever had a moment where, just for a second, the world's weight lifted, and you saw something more profound—something holy? Maybe it was in the quiet of the morning, in a whispered prayer, or in the way a broken heart found peace. These are glimpses of restoration, reminders of what is to come.
I remember one recently. I sat in my usual spot at the table with my men’s group for discussion and prayer. The frustration in my voice was picked up by another brother at the table. Inside, I felt spiritually strong yet mentally weak. I had been out of work for a month, fully diving into my own ministry and path, trusting God to provide—but the pressure was mounting. Christmas was weeks away with my three daughters (all under four) and wonderful wife under my leadership.
After the Bible study, this brother pulled me aside and said, “I can tell you’re on the edge, and I felt like God wanted me to tell you something. Do you have time for breakfast?”
Unfortunately, I needed to get home, but we stood there for a moment longer, and what he said changed my life.
I shared my struggles, how things weren’t falling into place, and how I felt like I was not holding up as a man. And then he spoke the words my soul needed to hear:
"You don’t have to do any of those things. You have value. God doesn’t care how much you make or what you do—He cares about who you are, and He loves you."
Then, without hesitation, he said, "I want to give you a gift today."
He immediately Zelled me life-changing money—the exact amount needed to launch the continued ministry I had been building online and pay expenses. That ministry has now been seen by over 100,000 people, and it’s all about Jesus!
But what really transformed me that day?
I got a glimpse of God’s perfect faithfulness through the loving words of a faithful brother in Christ and generosity. The result? My soul was fully satisfied (of course as a glimpse). This is what Isaiah 35:2 paints a picture of—an appetite fully satisfied by God's restoration.
Isaiah 35:2 – A Vision of Restoration
God is painting a picture of transformation and abundance where there was once desolation.
Key Idea:
God’s restoration begins where things look hopeless. It starts not with striving, but by beholding Him.
Encouragement:
If you feel dry, empty, or weary, this is a promise—you are not abandoned; you are being renewed.
Remember:
Moses met God in the wilderness before leading His people.
David was anointed in the hidden places before becoming king.
Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before stepping into His ministry.
God does His greatest restorative work in the hidden and broken places.
Fixing Our Eyes on Him – The Path to Transformation
"We all, who with unveiled faces behold the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18).
How Do We Do This Daily?
In the Word – Letting truth renew our minds.
In Worship – Aligning our hearts with heaven.
In Community – Walking this out together.
Reflection:
What are you fixing your eyes on daily?
Social media? Worry? Work? Or the One who restores?
Restoration that Overflows
Personal Renewal → Transformation of the World Around You
Just like Lebanon, Carmel, and Sharon reflect God’s beauty on earth, when He restores us, our surroundings change too.
Examples:
A father leading his home in faith.
A believer carrying peace into a workplace.
A weary heart turning into a wellspring of joy.
Encouragement:
The glimpses of God’s restoration in your life are not just for you—they are testimonies of what He is doing and what is to come.
I hope you were encouraged by my story. My life is filled with these moments, and I try to talk about them as much as I can because it gives God glory and encourages faith.
Your life is full of them too—are you paying attention?
Thought:
If you aren’t sharing your stories, why?
Why isn’t the miraculous and the beautiful part of your conversations?
You’re missing out on growth!
Never Finished: A Call to Step into Restoration
Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah 35—He is the Way, the Highway of Holiness. When we walk with Him, we walk in renewal, joy, and hope.
Challenge:
Where is God giving you a glimpse of restoration right now?
Are you paying attention?
Are you letting it, Him, transform you?
For Your Pocket:
"The dry places in your life are not permanent deserts. Fix your eyes on Him, and you will begin to see—a lush forest is already breaking through."
What does today say about God?
Everything He does has a purpose! There is nothing that happens on earth, that is a part of His plan, that is not deeply intentional.
Jesus defeated death.
He is sovereign.
We have nothing to lose and, in Him, everything to gain!
Thank you, Jesus.