I have long had an affinity for old stuff and antiques. Old trucks, tractors, barns, cars, furniture, and the list goes on. I just figured it was my love of history that drew me to old stuff. Which, is probably partly the case, but I got to thinking about another reason I love old stuff.

I have heard the verse “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2) a lot lately. This has gotten me to thinking of this process of renewing your mind and it hit me this morning about how much the Bible also talks about restoration. (Probably because I have been working on restoring a couple of antique rocking chairs.)  

Restoration is really the process of renewing. The original Greek word used in this verse is anakainosis, which means renovation or refresh, which is really what we do when we think of restoring an old car, tractor, home, or piece of furniture. We are taking something old, and giving it a renewal, or refreshing, so that it is again beautiful and functional.

This process however, is not instantaneous, but for some reason we (well, I) seem to think of it that way when it comes to faith. Restoration even in our faith walk, is a process. Sometimes a long, grueling, ugly, laborious process. Just as in restoring an object, we must be able and willing to do the work of stripping off all the old- dirt, grime, paint, finishes etc. This is sometimes the hardest part. We have to get rid of sinful habits and mindsets, as well as the dirt and grime that we have picked up living in this world. Then we have to fix and repair the broken pieces and get them in working order. Replace bad habits with good ones. Replace negative or destructive mindsets with Godly ones and so on. Then we can finally start to add the finishing stages. Which may still require smoothing out the rough spots and reworking things. And sometimes we stumble across broken parts or areas that need to be repaired that may set us back a little. But when it’s done, you have this beautiful, functional piece.

This is what God does with us. It’s not an overnight process. It takes work and effort. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it takes a long time. Sometimes the beauty is found in the process. I think the other reason why I love old stuff- barns, tractors, antiques, etc., is because I see value in it. Either the value it still has, or the value it once had. This is the way God see us. Even under all the wear and tear, dirt and grime, he sees our value and wants to restore us to something beautiful and useful.

Are you allowing God to restore or renew you?

God Bless, 

Amanda