Another highlight of our recent memory maker trip was going to church with my sister at the Heart For The World church in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It was obviously a community that lived its mission: Believe – Belong – Become, where everyone was accepted and embraced regardless of appearance or background. I was impressed with the gentle spirit with which pastor Dale Walker approached people and delivered a great message called “From Grief To Glory,” based on the Book of Ruth.

Pastor Dale lovingly reminded us that God is the restorer and redeemer of our broken lives. You know how you feel when you are broken, without hope or strength, lost, perhaps confused. Great disappointments are moments when we sometimes question our value and purpose in life.  Hopelessness is the biggest destroyer of lives and the second leading cause of teenage death. But God wants to restore us and repurpose us for His glory. And it is in the crucible of suffering and brokenness that we find ourselves ready for such transformation.

Our inheritance is found when the time comes to let go of our grief and transform it to its new and higher purpose. If the grief is our own doing, repentance is God’s gift, a second chance to make right on an old hurt so that healing and restoration can come.  And just as Ruth was a steadfast friend to Naomi, and key to her restoration, so we also need to live life with friends and carry each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Think about one friend who has stuck with you through the fire of grief. Name one friend who you need to stick with. What area of your life do you want God to restore? He has a restoration party ready for you (Zechariah 9:12, Luke 15:10). Come all the way home and enjoy the celebration.

I will comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61:2-3

The Lord is my shepherd…He restores my soul. Psalm 23:2