Hi friends! I'm writing this post on my floor with the biggest smile on my face because I'm just that excited to share it with you. This is something that has been on my heart for a couple weeks, but the Lord has kept adding to it! I'm stoked that I get to share a little more about how I've seen the Lord restore and redeem things in my life, as well as the biblical story as a whole. I pray that you are encouraged and that the Spirit would bring to mind times where God has restored and redeemed aspects of your life.
Two years ago, my family moved from California to Tennessee and it launched me into the most significant depressive episode I've ever faced. My battle with depression is something I've been pretty open about, largely because the Lord has used that part of my testimony to showcase his goodness. What I'm about to share just further proves that.
After we moved, I was convinced that if I ever had to move again, I wouldn't be able to withstand it and would perhaps even lose my life to my unstable mental health. That was a factor as to why I decided to begin college online---- so I could stay where I was and not have to worry about building a new community all over again. I told my mom that and she asked me a question I will never forget. She said something along the lines of, "Holly, how can you be a missionary if you barely made it through a move across the United States?" That felt like a slap to the face, and I wondered if the mission field really was where the Lord was calling me after all. Maybe I just wasn't cut out for it.
Then, I applied to an internship program in North Carolina on a whim. After further consideration, I decided that, if I was offered a position, I would decline it because I didn't want to move again. However, God had other plans and in the time between when I applied and was offered a place as an intern, he did a miraculous work in my heart. I knew he was leading me to accept it, so I did.
To make a long story short, it was the best summer of my life. God grew me in ways I never expected and opened my eyes to so many beautiful things. He blessed me with the sweetest community and opportunities I wouldn't have ever thought possible. I spent the whole summer in awe of what the Lord did in and around me. Y'all, the Lord is so good.
Following that, I had a few of the friends I made encourage me to consider attending school on-campus somewhere. The Lord directed me toward Liberty University in Virginia. So, just to recap---- God has told me to move twice since arriving in Tennessee. The difference this time is the pure excitement I have about this new season. I leave for school for the very first time in just three days. What?!
How did that happen? How did my perspective on moving change so fast? Exactly one year ago, I was digging my heels in and refusing to uproot the life I had just worked so hard to build, but now I'm purely giddy to explore a new place and make new friends. Quite frankly, I'm awestruck. You guys, God can turn all things around.
I'm going to say that again---- God can turn all things around. He restores what was broken. He redeems what was lost.
Friend, you are never too far gone to come home. You are never too broken for God to turn your life around. Your past is never too complicated for God to use it for his glory and purposes. I thought that my mental health was irredeemable, but the Lord's transformation of my heart is a testament that that's simply not true.
A verse I clung to in the pit of depression is Psalm 30:5, which says,
"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning," (ESV).
During that time, I pleaded with the Lord that my troubles would be temporary and that he would bring delight back into my life. I knew joy would come in the morning, but the night was still extremely challenging.
It's honestly stunning to be standing in the light with pure joy and deep contentment in my heart, reflecting on the darkness behind me. Psalm 30 was a part of my Scripture reading yesterday and it was so sweet to be able to reflect and thank the Lord for all he has done. It's absolutely wild. There is nothing that our God cannot do.
I'm reminded of Isaiah 61:3, on which the popular worship song "Graves into Gardens" is based. In referring to those who mourn in Israel, Isaiah states that the Lord will grant them "a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified," (ESV, italics mine).
What stands out to me the most about this passage is that the ultimate goal is to glorify God. I've written another post about how we can and should cultivate a mindset that glorifies God and I encourage you to check it out! Nonetheless, God redeems beauty for ashes and turns our mourning to dancing and, in return, we should praise him!
Ecclesiastes 3:11, another favorite verse of mine, says,
"He has made everything beautiful in its time," (ESV).
The Lord will make everything beautiful when the timing is in accordance with his will. I find this to be so encouraging and we can rest assured knowing that all things serve a purpose and will be redeemed for beautiful things.
In fact, one of the major themes throughout the entire biblical story is that God is always acting to redeem and restore his people. God created the earth and everything in it, and called it good. When sin entered the world and polluted it, God didn't give up. Instead, he chose a people for himself (the Israelites) to make holy and purified.
However, Israel kept turning away from God. Did God give up then? Nope! He gave them a sacrificial system, as well as a series of kings and judges to direct them back to them. When the Israelites continued to disobey, God still didn't give up. Instead, he sent his own Son to die for the sins of the world. When Jesus returns, God will restore all of Creation. Even though the world is so broken, God won't destroy it, but rather return it to how it once was. Heaven will come down and God's redeemed people will live in perfect unity with him.
The entirety of God's actions in and for the world are restorative and redemptive. How completely awesome is that?
My friends, take heart! Our God is a Redeemer and Restorer. He has overcome the world. I want to encourage you to take some time and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where the Lord has been gracious and redeemed parts of your story. If you're a follower of Christ, you're already redeemed and freed from your sin! I'm so grateful that the Lord doesn't give up on what is broken or troubled. Instead, he restores it into something beautiful in his perfect timing. Praise be to God!
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