Restoration after Devastation

RESTORATION AFTER DEVASTATION by Julie Kyker
Last fall my parents’ home in Tennessee was destroyed by a tornado. Thankfully, the old oak tree that smashed into the kitchen, entryway, and both living areas, missed the bedrooms where mom and dad were asleep. They knew undeniably the Lord was watching over them and were grateful to be alive! But in the morning as they began to assess the damage in down-pouring rain, the idea of restoration was nearly unfathomable. Would they ever be able to live at the place they had called home for 44-years? Could anything of beauty ever come of such destruction? In many ways their world was torn apart. Yet, in the coming days, weeks, and months the attitude of my parents was remarkable. And God graciously positioned my sister and her husband (who are excellent builders) to tackle the job.
Followers of Christ are not exempt from hard times. In fact, the more focused we are to live and sacrifice for Christ, often the more difficulties we face. The apostle Paul certainly knew about sacrificial living, opposition, and difficulties. Yet, he continued to be bold for Christ and seize every opportunity to share Jesus’ love. Imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, he writes to believers in Philippi: “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13).