On Bitterness Part II

Let me just start by saying that God repays. I have been sitting on this blog for weeks because I didn’t want to stop with Part I. I knew there was more to it, and it has taken about two months for me to see how the story could possibly end. God repays. I heard two sermons today, and by the end of both messages the pastor was talking about God’s restoration. Then it hit me. That’s why we shouldn’t stay in bitterness and unforgiveness. Because God sees all and knows all and He will restore. Several years ago I had a house fire, and because I didn’t have renter’s insurance I lost everything and had no financial ability to restore what I lost. Let me tell you what…God’s restoration is amazing!!! First my father came to my rescue, then my friends and colleagues. My gym came to my rescue, and just when I thought the blessings were coming to an end, there was a surprise “fire shower” and monetary gifts from my parents’ friends. What a tremendous blessing! Now emotionally I was still numb and grieving the loss of my things. I remember one colleague telling me I wasn’t the same. No, ma’am, I’m not! I lost everything but the clothes on my back and my purse. However, on that first day in my new condo I stepped into the sunshine and onto the front porch and read this verse. “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13) I told myself then that God would allow me to see His goodness even in the face of this traumatic season. As I continued to study, I found this. “So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust…” (Joel 2:26) Verse 27 goes on to say that “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied…” As I have said in previous blogs, I naively thought that trouble wouldn’t come to my door. So I spent years numb or discouraged and wondering why God hadn’t come to my rescue, not just after the fire but after the divorce and struggles with my son and in my job. I have to write a whole book to tell that whole story! But where I am today is grateful that the things that God allowed to come to my door made me stronger and made me love Him even more. Your faith operates like your muscles. You build both by being torn down. The key is to not let the tearing down keep you down and make you bitter. Our God will restore!