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235. Like a Classic

 

Today in my quiet time with the Lord, He took me to a garage. There was a rusted out old classic type car sitting up on blocks. You could tell that the years were good to that car, but that time had taken its toll, and the grace had ran out. The engine that once revved with excitement could barely turn over. Where the paint was once shiny and new, it was now dull, sun damaged and rusted. Where the full tires once had tread ready to gain traction, there were now bald spots, dry rotting and even a flat. Where the leather interior once hosted conversations during long road trips, or short trips to the market, bringing people closer together; the threads of the material are now having a hard time keeping the seams of the seats from tearing and falling apart. 

I felt the Lord telling me that many in leadership and in ministry are feeling like this worn out car. What was once a burning passion to help others find their strength in Jesus has now become a battle just to face the daily grind. What initially ushered in the motivation that pushed you forward is now weighing you down and holding you back. The places that you thought you would go have become distant memories as the places that you currently are have become increasingly unfulfilling.

The Lord is coming to restore. 

I saw the Lord begin working on the car in that garage. Restoring it piece by piece. Taking every intricate detail into consideration. Restoring every part of this vessel to even better than it was before. A new engine, a fresh oil change and filter, new spark plugs, candy apple paint, new tires, and bright shiny leather interior. The Lord reminded me again of classic cars and how it was cool to own a '57 Chevy in '57 but how it's way cooler to own a fully restored one now. 

This is the level of restoration that the Lord is capable of bringing into your life if you let Him. You have to be willing to let Jesus come in and replace a few things that no longer work for you. You have to be able to part with things from the past that can no longer assist in your forward traction, the things that are no longer making progress for the Kingdom of God in your life. 

 If you have been struggling, ask the Lord what He wants to restore in your life, sit with Him for a while and take the time to let Him show you what needs to be stripped away. Let Him show you where you need to heal, where you need to grow and what needs to fall away as He prunes the vine. Submit to that process, let the master do His work in your mind, will and emotions and return to the excitement you once had looking forward.   

Behold He is doing a new thing if you let Him. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Jeremiah 30:17 17 For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’

1 Peter 5:10-11 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Isaiah 61:7 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.

Jeremiah 33:6 Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.

Ezekiel 36:26 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh

Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Acts 3:21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

Isaiah 58:12 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.

Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Deuteronomy 30:3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have mercy on you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you.

Micah 7:11 A day for the building of your walls! In that day the boundary shall be far extended.

Luke 8:48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

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