All Things New

On a recent trip to Charleston, North Carolina my husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary. We had some friends who recently visited that area and came back so thrilled to tell us about the wonderful time they had, so we decided to go ourselves. It really is a beautiful and very historic town. After getting settled in our hotel, we immediately went to the concierge to begin planning our schedule for the week. We were anxious to make the most of our time, and try and see as many of the wonderful sites Charleston has to offer. On our first tour we rode in a horse drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets. There we saw mansion after mansion, and so many churches. It felt like we had traveled back in time and was reliving history as we viewed and visited these stunning places.

Founded in 1670 by English colonists, this 300-year-old port city was once considered the cultural center of the New World. The city has survived earthquakes, fire, war, tornado's, and hurricanes. The city and most of the antebellum buildings have been restored to their pre-revolutionary and pre-civil war splendor. Can you imagine what a wonderful a place this city must have been?

As we were touring these amazing sites, our guide told us so many fascinating stories about the American Revolution and the War Between the States. We even attended a church service at St. Philip’s, one of America's oldest churches. It is so amazing to witness how these places are still standing for us to still enjoy the beauty and ambiance of a city that once flourished in colonial America.

Many times throughout my personal journey in life I have felt like those buildings. Through the earthquakes when everything seemed to be falling down, in hurricanes of emotions, and fighting spiritual warfare on every side, I've witnessed God’s mighty hand upon my life. Many times I was not sure the house would even be able to stand. Yet looking back after all the dust had settled, I was amazed to see how I survived!

I have learned that no matter how great the trouble, God's divine purpose and plans will still be fulfilled in the lives of those who steadfastly trust in Him. Isn't it wonderful to know how much God can accomplish when we are willing to patiently endure until He brings us to victory.

As we listened to story after story about this amazingly resilient town sitting on the Atlantic Ocean, I was reminded of a promise God once made to Israel:

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-My great army that I sent among you. - (Joel 2:25)

Just as God was able to bring restoration to the nation of Israel after a time of famine and devastation, he can do the same for us today. What I am most sure of now is that God even uses all of our mistakes for his glory. He can take the broken and battered pieces of our lives and restore them back to something of beauty and grace.

God truly is in the business of restoration.

He promises not only to restore what has been lost but even more to replenish what was lost. Not a bad deal wouldn’t you agree? He truly does all things well when it comes to lives of those who he loves and who love him in return.

I’d like to conclude with an exhortation from Paul which he wrote to the church at Philippi:

"Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 3:13-14).

Oh, what a blessing these words continue to be for our journey. Don’t look back ladies, and never loose sight of your deliverer. God will truly restore and rebuild our lives for His glory and honor, and all those who pass by will look in amazement at the wonderful workmanship of our God. We are a city set upon a hill, a beautiful light in a dark and dying world.

Something to ponder:

I ask you today, will you allow God to work in your life to restore, rebuild and make all things new?

Can you remember a season in your life that God used to show you He was there although you felt devastation or famine?

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