A Time of Restoration

Scripture:

2 Chronicles 29:6 “Our fathers were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the Lord our God and forsook him.  They turned their faces away from the Lords dwelling place and turned their backs on Him.”

 

Observation:

The horrible reign of Ahaz left deep scars on his kingdom and on his son Hezekiah.  With a father like that, it would have been east to grow bitter.  But bitterness perpetuates the legacy of sin and hinders spiritual growth.  Because Hezekiah trusted God as his Father, he did not succumb to this bitterness.  In fact he went on to become one of Judah’s greatest and most righteous kings. He wasn’t perfect, but he was a man of contrite spirit, humbling himself before the Lord.  Hezekiah knew God had called him and he let God restore him.

 

Application:

Like Hezekiah, I didn’t have a father who honored God and I too found myself in a destructive environment.  This devastating experience robbed me of hope and value.  But God never abandoned me. Despite what seemed like horrible circumstances God was wanting to bring restoration into my life.  And part of that restoration was acknowledging the pain and asking God to help me forgive the one who delivered it.  If I hold onto bitterness it will bring a harmful inheritance to future generations and I will not be fulfilling God’s call on my life. I need to remain humble before the Lord.

 

Prayer:

Father, thank you that you are my restorer; that you never leave me and want me to approach life humble and confident in You.  When faced with pain, help my heart not to become bitter.  You know when and how deep scars have been left on my heart, I trust in you my healer and restorer.   Amen

 

 

 

Hayley Stirling