Full Restoration

Do you choose a word to focus on for the year? Sometimes I follow the trend, sometimes I don’t. When I do, it usually begins with prayer and meditation. Other times, the idea creeps into my head before I think about it. The word chooses me, so to speak. This year is one such year. 

My 2022 word is restoration. But not merely restoration ­— I’m talking restoration to the nth degree.

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)

Have we ever faced a time when full restoration was more needed? We’re weary of Covid developments, of division in our country. We miss our family, our normal way of life. Our place of worship may be different, and we miss the way it used to be.

After the disappointments of 2021 when I thought vaccination would put the virus behind us, I’ve been hesitant to hope for too much in 2022. That is, until the word restoration surfaced. Some digging in the Bible confirmed it was the right choice for me.

The Biblical Meaning of Restoration

In simple terms, restoration means to return something to its original condition. But a Bible dictionary goes further. The biblical meaning is to receive back more than has been lost. In other words, the result is greater than the original condition. Something or someone is improved beyond measure.

The biblical meaning of restoration is to receive back more than has been lost. In other words, the result is greater than the original condition. Something or someone is improved beyond measure. #Godsrestoration #hope Click To Tweet

Throughout the Bible, God blesses people for their faith and hardships by making up for their losses by giving them more than they had.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

If this seems too much to hope for in 2022, consider the following.

We Serve a Limitless God.

God is without limits. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. Our God is a big God. Why limit Him with our personal doubts and fears? Let’s pray big. Let’s get out of the state of mind of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Examine your heart. What we think influences what we believe and what we belief influences how we pray. Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) reads “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  Let’s not be people with little expectations.

Believe God’s promises. Expect Him to do big things in 2022.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

I’m curious. If you chose a word for the year, please drop it in the comments below. Or tell us something you pray to be fully restored.

I’m praying that childhood be fully restored. Since the pandemic, many children are haunted by fear and uncertainty during what should be a happy and carefree time.

Until next time,

Candyce

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16 Comments

  1. Candyce, I agree our definition of restoration is way too small. We can’t even imagine what God’s perfect restoration will look like, but we certainly long for it. I am trusting God to restore the lives of two young women I know.

  2. Candyce, thank you for this hopeful post which reminds us of God’s power to restore, plus more. I, too, have been concerned about children during the pandemic, especially those without loving, supportive parents. Your words led me to stop and pray for them and to remember we can trust Him to restore any areas of our lives that need His healing touch.

    1. I appreciate the prayer, Jeannie. For too many children, school (and staff) provide a stable place where they feel safe and valued. That’s not to mention the impact Covid has had on learning.

  3. No “word for the year” for me, as I like to think mine changes as God directs me throughout the seasons of my life rather than man’s calendar. Still, yours is a great word Ms. Candyce. One day, God will restore much more than we have lost or sacrificed in this world. I often think about how what many consider loss in this world I consider sacrifice for God’s. I would much rather wait for His restoration, than any earthly recognition or reward. God’s blessings ma’am; may your restoration be complete.

  4. I love that biblical definition of restoration, “to receive back more than what was lost.” What a great word for the year we live in. My word this year is love. I have chosen that word before but I felt led back to it because we can’t get enough revelation of God’s love. My verse is 1 John 4:18, “perfect love casts out fear.” To stop fear, we must abide in His perfect love. Thanks for sharing and my hope is for restoration also.

  5. What a wonderful wonderful message, Candyce. My heart sang when I read the biblical definition of restoration that you shared: “receive back more than what was lost.” What a comfort that is! Only our God could love us so much. I’m so glad you shared this message–I needed it.

  6. The biblical definition of the word restoration reminds me of how limitless and generous God is. I can think of things in my life that need this extreme restoration. Thanks for the encouragement to believe that God is more than enough.

  7. “The biblical meaning is to receive back more than has been lost.” I read it three times because it’s so beautiful. Thank You, Jesus!

    My word is “Awake”. I don’t want spiritual drowsiness to set in. I want to be awake to His goodness, to His ways and desires. Thank you for this post. It has encouraged my soul, Candyce. Bless you!

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