Restored

Job 1:21b New King James Version (NKJV)

21 The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;

Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Each summer Bryce would look forward to spending time in his Grandpa Jensen’s garage. His grandpa has a passion for transforming cars as a hobby. He has the ability to create a new version of the car that is better than the original. Bryce loved being part of the process.

In the book of Job, we find a story of restoration. We meet a man of faith that has lost his family, possessions, and health. We are able to share in his struggle and grief. Finally in the final chapter God not only restores everything that he once had but he also doubles each of them with what seems like one exception, his children. When it came to his children, he lost ten children and was given ten children. Why would everything else be doubled and not the number of children? What if his children that died were not really lost? What if they are returned to Job in Heaven? If we are only separated from our children they are not really lost.

In America, we love restoration stories. We have television programs dedicated to telling the restoration stories of cars and houses. At the end of each program is the dramatic reveal. People are amazed with the transformation. As a person of faith, I look forward to a day where I will witness the ultimate dramatic reveal. Heaven promises a day of restoration and transformation. 

My father-in-law has a passion for transforming cars. He is able to take cars that have been worn down by time and experiences and bring them new life. Our Heavenly Father also has a passion for transformation. and restoration. That is why even in our darkest days we can say blessed be the name of the Lord.