Are You Ready To See THE “Fixer Upper?”

Restoration.

Have you noticed our culture’s obsession?

This “before and after” movement?

Restoration Fascination.

It’s a thing. Truly.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are living proof that we are hungry for the story of “restored”. Our human nature is drawn to and delights in old made, not just new, but better-than-imagined-new. Stunning. Unthinkable. Remarkable. And although these Fixer-Uppers are paired with Chip’s charm and Jojo’s creativity (and beauty – gosh isn’t she?!), at the core of the show is – hope.

God has been about a good fixer-upper since the fall of Man. His mission? To restore us back to Himself. And found throughout the story of Scripture, this theme of restoration is woven.

Everywhere.

Our Surroundings: He longed to restore the Israelites to their promised land as seen in Amos 9:14, “I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.”

Our Relationships: He longs to see restoration in our relationships with each other…. 2 Corinthians 13:11 demonstrates – “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Our Souls: He longs to restore our inner man… “And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up.” 1 Peter 5:10 TPT

Our Minds: (Personally my most needed – please, Lord, renew my thinking.) “Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing [restoring] your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.” Romans 12:2 TVT

Our Joy: In a culture where 12 million U.S. women battle clinical depression each year….. “Let my passion for life be restored, tasting joy in every breakthrough you bring to me. Hold me close to you with a willing spirit that obeys whatever you say.” Psalm 51:12 TPT

Our Communion with Himself: God seeks to restore His relationship with His people… “All of this is a gift from our Creator God, who has pursued us andbrought us into a restored and healthy relationship with Him through the Anointed. And He has given us the same mission, the ministry of reconciliation, to bring others back to Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:18 TVT

Imagine all the areas of your heart that would be changed by this word. Restore.

Or maybe Restoration isn’t a word that resonates with you today. Let me give you some other options: revive, cure, heal, mend, strengthen, rehabilitate, redeem, improve, rebuild.

I have areas of my life RIGHT NOW where I cry….

Lord, REVIVE ME.

Lord, CURE ME.

Lord, HEAL ME.

Lord, MEND ME.

Lord, STRENGTHEN ME.

Lord, IMPROVE ME.

Lord, REBUILD ME.

And at the core of every cry is “Restore me.”

So back to God as our own Fixer Upper… how fun is that?!

What our culture doesn’t realize is restoration fascination ( via TV shows, Pinterest, etc) is GOD abides in the core of all things restored. He is the Alpha and Omega of Makeovers. They begin and end in and through Him.

Before reality shows there was the reality of us. Our reality of needing Him to transform our lives. Our land. Our relationships. Our health. Our joy. Our souls.

And our sweet, broken world can’t help but cry…. “RESTORE US, O GOD; LET YOUR FACE SHINE THAT WE MIGHT BE SAVED. ” PSALM 80:3

The Psalmist’s cry is no different from ours today. God…Look at us! Restore us! Smile on us! Come back to us! Rescue us!

Where do you need the Lord to come in today and restore you? What comes to mind first and fast when you pray, “Lord restore ____________ in my life.”

Then pray it right now. He is willing if you are.

He is willing if I am.

I don’t know about you…. but I am ready to “see MY Fixer Upper!”