As I have done in past years, I’d like to share with you the word(s) I’m focusing on for the new year. This year I am focusing on the words RESTORE and RESTORATION. What does restoration look like in the Bible?

The scripture that I’d like to focus on today is Job 42:10. “And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” If you’ve never read through the book of Job before, I encourage you to do so. I have read Job many times. Each time I learn something new that God wants me to see. With my focus on restoration this year, the above verse jumped off the page to me. What also came to mind were these questions: Would the message of the book of Job change if God had not restored Job to his former blessings? How am I approaching the throne of God when I ask for restoration? What is my heart posture? If God does not restore and heal me (physically) on this side of Heaven, how do I handle that and does that affect my faith and trust in God?

I have been battling Lyme disease for many years. Lately, my health has had lots of ups and downs. It seems that the past few months have been filled with sickness after sickness. I’ve found myself praying for healing daily over the past few months. After reading through this section of Job, I started thinking...God is still God and is still on the throne and still in control whether my health is fully restored on this side of Heaven or not. The restoration of my health does not determine how good God is. Just like the restoration of Job and his fortunes does not determine how good God is. I will continue to live my life glorifying God-this is not dependent on what God does or doesn’t give me. God does not love me less if I am not healed on this side of Heaven. Just for the record, I am expecting God to heal me physically fully here on earth as He is the God of miracles and I know this is on his resume to do so. I’ve read multiple stories in the Bible that show Jesus performing miracles and healing people. However, is my heart posture, Lord you owe this healing to me. Look at how “good” I am. Look at all I’ve done for you. If so, I’m missing the mark. God doesn't owe me anything. He gave me the best gift I could ever ask for which is His only Son, Jesus Christ who lived a sinless life, died a sinner's death and rose on the third day so that I could be saved. God did this for you too. We ultimately have all that we need. I encourage you to take some time and reflect on your relationship with God. Does it have conditions? Are you loving God for what He can do for you and give you or are you loving God for who He is as our all knowing, all loving creator and Father?