In that day I will restore David’s fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be. (Amos 9:11)
SOME PEOPLE DO IT FOR FUN; others do it to try to make money. Some people do it out of a love of old things. Some people see an old house as an eyesore; other people look at an old house and see the opportunity to restore it and make it beautiful. I have spent some time doing minor house improvements in every house I have lived in, but I haven’t taken on a home restoration project yet. Do you know people who are house flippers, bouncing from house to house, fixing them up?
The prophet Amos wrote these words around 750 bc. At that time, the rich were taking advantage of the poor; the courts were taking bribes, further disadvantaging the poor; and God’s people had forgotten how to worship.
Although God had every right to destroy Israel, He promised to restore the nation. He planned to bring the people back from exile and rebuild the walls of the city. He also promised to restore the gardens and vineyards.
God is in the business of restoring broken people and broken lives. The people of Israel did nothing to deserve forgiveness; they simply asked, and God heard their prayers and restored them. In the same way, He brought the people of Israel back from exile and fixed their lives, He is waiting to do that in people’s lives today.
Today, ask God to show you the areas in your life that still need to be restored.
Jeff Hughes lives in Nebraska with his wife, Sarah, and their three kids. They spend their weekends outdoors hiking, camping, and skiing.
