My husband and I are in the midst of some home renovation projects, many of which are long overdue. Words cannot adequately express my excitement and relief to finally be rid of our stained, decades-old carpet (yes, I said “decades”).
Throughout the years of raising two boys and a few puppies, I shudder to think how many times I was on my hands and knees in the futile task of “stain removal”. I sprayed, blotted, steamed, and scrubbed. However, the results never seemed to justify the effort, and it ended up the proverbial “putting lipstick on a pig”. No matter what I did, it was still a pig.
Said carpet has now been replaced with beautiful, durable, easy-to-clean flooring. I’m thrilled! But, this process has stirred my thoughts.
Despite my best efforts and the “guarantees” splayed across various products, I couldn’t restore the carpet to its original beauty. I’m not a miracle worker.
Too much damage had been done.
I’m afraid the same sentiment is often applied when we look in the mirror. We see the brokenness, pain, and trauma that life, others, or we have created. And, despite our best efforts to erase or hide them, our scars remain. It can feel like too much damage has been done.
But, fortunately, we have a God who is a Miracle Worker. He knows, sees, and cares. He can’t help but pursue us; it’s simply His nature. Because of the redemptive work of the cross, He doesn’t define us by our brokenness, but steps into our pain to restore us to the beautiful design He created us to be.
We are constantly in the process of formation, and are not designed to be passive bystanders, but active participants.
Partnering with God in our restoration process includes a combination of faith, surrender, and action.
Faith: Nurture your relationship with God by prioritizing time in prayer and scripture. An intimate connection with Him opens the door to your restoration.
Surrender: Choose to resist the lie that your pain and heartache define you. Receive the love of your Divine Creator, and openly accept His invitation to do a miraculous, healing work in your soul.
Action: Prayerfully consider your personal role in your restoration process.
What harmful habits do you need to relinquish and what healthy rhythms will you put into practice?
How can you actively invite and build a support system around you?
Cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship with each step of the process.
Friend, no matter what the hurtful voices whisper in your ear, you are a cherished, beloved daughter of the King of kings! He has a plan and a purpose for you. He longs to heal us, and then use us to make His name known throughout His kingdom. So, let’s stop settling for lipstick on a pig, and join Him in our unique restoration processes.
And, fortunately, we don’t have to do this alone! Join The Collective on Facebook, to connect with a community of supportive, caring women. You are loved more than you know,
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