Restoration: A Journey of Hope and Transformation

Read:

Isaiah 61:1–3 (NIV): “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me… to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Ezekiel 37:5–6 (NIV): “‘ This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life… will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.'”

Psalm 51:12 (NLT): “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.”

Act:

Let us be determined this week to:

Turn our fear into faith. When the road ahead feels uncertain, let us lay our worries at God’s feet and trust His promises, knowing that His strength will sustain us through every challenge.

Anchor our lives in Christ. In a world full of distractions and shifting priorities, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, our rock and firm foundation, drawing closer to Him in every season.

Seek God’s timing and purpose. May we trust that God’s timing is always perfect, surrendering our plans to His greater purpose and finding peace in His sovereign control.

Reflect God’s love and grace. As we experience restoration, let us extend the same love and grace to those around us, becoming beacons of hope in a world yearning for renewal.

Celebrate God’s redemptive work. May we give thanks for how God redeems and transforms even the most broken areas of our lives, filling us with hope for the future and a deeper understanding of His grace.

May we approach this year with hearts firmly anchored in Christ, trusting in His ability to restore, redeem, and bring new life.

Pray:

God, thank You that You are a restoring God, that You bring back for Your glory and the good of Your people and the furtherance of Your Kingdom. You restore beauty from ashes, life from death, blessings from sorrow and pain. We ask You, God, to do that in ways that we could never even begin to imagine or dream. May it be so, Abba, may it be so.

Father, we thank You so much for Your beautiful, precious gift: Jesus. The best gift that You’ve given creation. Lord, and I pray that people will experience You so personally. You meet people at their place, whatever that is, Lord. May You show them this beautiful sacrifice, this victory, this forgiveness, this freedom that You have given us by what You’ve done on the cross, Your sacrifice, Your willingness to lay down Your life and be crucified and be resurrected. May we stand in that victory, and may we experience You as our Lord. May we experience You as a personal God with us. May we submit to You. And may we worship You because You are incredible Jesus. We love You so much.

Father, in Heaven, we thank You that not one sparrow falls without You knowing. Great is Your faithfulness, and great is Your steadfast love for us. Thank You for providing a way when it seems there is no way. All power and glory is Yours. May Your Kingdom come.

Lord, Jesus, we surrender this year to You. Please be our cornerstone, please be our guide, and please be our strength. Help us to trust You, see Your beauty in every season, and reflect Your love in this world that desperately needs it. Let our lives be a testimony of Your grace, love, and peace forever and ever. Amen.

(This WRAP is with great appreciation to Carrie, Mariska and Diane)

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