When we look at the devastation that the devil inflicts on believers, it seems almost impossible to be restored. However, we are serving not only the God of all comfort, but the God of all grace. The apostle Peter confidently declared, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10). Indeed, believers survive the onslaught of the devil because of the grace of God. No one is immune from suffering. However, when God allows suffering to come, it is only for a moment, so that we may be proved genuine in our faith and come out as better and stronger believers. Although sufferings will come, God himself will restore us. He will restore not only our health, but our souls and wealth, as well.
Those who are sick can look forward to their healing and complete restoration. King David said of the sick, “The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness” (Psalm 41:3). It must be noted that restoration comes when we respond to the affliction in faith. It is a wake-up call for us to acknowledge our need for God and to be delivered from the works of the evil one. For this reason, the prophet Hosea uttered, “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence” (Hosea 6:1-2). Needless to say, restoration will not come unless we draw near to God in repentance and in faith. Certainly, we believe that He who created us is able to recreate the parts of our body that are sick.
While we might not readily admit it, many of us also need spiritual restoration. This is because of the sins that we have committed. It is sin that separates us from God so that we no longer have the same joy and zeal in serving the Lord. Let us grieve for our sins and, like King David, cry out to God: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12). Unless restored, we are in danger of eternal separation from God. This is even worse than the separation that death could cause as a result of physical affliction.
Not lagging behind is our financial restoration. Many are suffering finically for varied reasons. Regardless of the reason, God is able to restore. This was the confidence of the Israelites who were deprived of their fortunes because of their captivity. In their song, they said, “Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev” (Psalm 126:4). It must be noted that our ability to make wealth is tied with our obedience to God. He gave us commands that we need to obey in order to be assured of his blessings. It is when we transgress these commands that we suffer the consequences. Oftentimes, these consequences come in the form of financial hardship. However, the Lord provided a way for restoration when he said, “When you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes” (Deut. 30:2-3).
As we live in this world, we will certainly face many trials. However, God will not abandon those who come to him in faith. He will surely restore them for his glory. Looking back at his own sufferings, King David confidently concluded, “Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again” (Psalm 71:20). Indeed, many troubles may come our way, but all of these will only be momentary. They are not to stay forever, but will only last until we have learned our lessons and have been made stronger. These are not meant to destroy us, but to rebuild us, so that we shall be able to overcome bigger trials in the future. We must always remember that though these sufferings can bring us all kinds of setbacks, God, in his mercy and grace, will restore us. Let us be like Job who endured his sufferings. God restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as before (Job 42:10). God will surely be true to his word that he will never leave us nor forsake us. He will sustain us with his loving kindness and restore us. Hallelujah!
