Just as water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. – Proverbs 27:10

Devotion:

The human spirit is delicate; it can be influenced in various forms and fashions. The changes can be slow, like the erosion of a sand dune, or come as quickly as an unexpected tornado. 

Distractions, disappointments, and disruptions can cause the spirit to become sluggish, stuck, or withered. The causes can be due to our own choices or neglect—or the consequences of living in a broken world. 

Faith that is allowed to fade or is given a back seat will not produce strength in the tough times.

Physical pain and illness can hit hard enough to cause extremely negative effects on the human spirit. Physical loss definitely does.

Grief can directly pierce the spirit in a way that feels like nothing will ever return to normal. 

So far things sound pretty bleak, but stick with me a little longer.

As I write this, it has been one year to the day since my mom passed away. It seems like forever ago, and yet just like yesterday since I talked with her, laughed with her, sat quietly holding her hand in the ICU. I grieve, but her story has provided strength and courage.

Proverbs 27 says, “just as water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart”, and “iron sharpens iron.” It could just as easily say that the testimony of one’s spirit strengthens and encourages another.

Christmas eve 2021 was the last time mom felt good enough to complete one last family tradition of opening presents together under the glow of the Christmas atmosphere she so carefully created. Just like she did every year before that, she was so totally into Christmas and made sure everyone could feel the spiritual purpose and power behind it. There was no doubt that Christ was in her; that joy was in her.

Although most people thought of mom as the “Energizer Bunny” nickname she had acquired, she endured an incredible number of health issues over her lifetime. In reality, mom was probably the perfect and perpetual example of the power of God’s spiritual restoration. 

Mom was proud of her spiritual and physical miracle-working God and was quick to tell everyone and anyone about him; the uncountable times he had lifted her up out of the darkness and how he completely restored the hand she nearly lost.

While her absence is still painful, the witness of her faithfulness to God and his promises provides stability to this kindred soul. The Bible adds some reason and purpose; “…no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love” (Lamentations 3:31-32).

The human spirit might be beaten down … tortured and tormented, but God’s promise is that the one who belongs to Christ will not remain broken forever. What a beautiful message. Like a drink of fresh water, he will restore our soul.

In one of his recent sermons, John Ortberg stated; “Peace does not come on the other side of hard circumstances; peace comes when I learn to be faithful to God on this side of my circumstances.” 

Faithfulness is the key to hope, and hope is key to our circumstances. Broken hearts, physical illness, and death are unavoidable, but their spiritual disturbances can be refreshed and restored. Isaiah 40:31 provides this great reminder, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” 

Restore. Renew. Refresh. Three power-filled words … Christ-filled testimonies if their personal workings are made known to others … Stories that provide a spiritual drink to those in a season of spiritual dryness or detachment.

Have you shared your restoration story lately?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Spirit, whose light guides our faith. Thank you for the church, the body of believers and kindred spirits who encourage and strengthen us day by day. Thank you for your promises of unfailing love and compassion. I pray that we might be a reflection of your faithfulness and a help to those who thirst. Amen!

Pam Ingle

Pastor of Single Adult Ministries

Pam Ingle is the Pastor and Director of Crossings Single Adult Ministry. Her favorite part of ministry is connecting singles with a supportive, Christ-centered community. She enjoys spending time with other singles, living out and sharing faith in the midst of real life.

Resources: 

• Read The Good and Beautiful book series by James Bryan Smith
• Read The Me I Want to Be by John Ortberg
• Watch The Fruit of the Spirit message series

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