The restorer

Luke 10: 49-53
So this scripture always scared me. It says mother in law will be against daughter in law. If there's anything more scary to me it's conflict with family. This scripture made me afraid to be married for fear of being an in law. I expected to to have disputes with my mother in law. I expected a painful and broken relationship. God is really the restorer of relationships.

Yesterday was a big day for Wendy's and my relationship. After an opportunity to share feelings arose, the fear of division with my mom in law ceased. God led me to write a message to my mom in law that shared what was truthfully going on in my mind and heart. I expected to offend her but instead I got an apology. This post is all about God restoring relationships. Before I talked with Wendy God told me what to do. I was afraid to share my feelings because of what could have happened.

God is far above what we think or feel at the moment. He restores healthy relationships in our lives because he loves us. He asks us to give up painful or even good ones for better and more permanent ones. Through the misunderstandings, disputes, great times and bad times God will keep going the right relationships for our lives like he showed me with Wendy. He'll give us the words to say, action to take, gesture to make, ideas of reconciliation. He really does not want us to be alone. Isn't it time we let go of the relationships that just seem to bring us down?

To the fatherless he gives them a new one, to the weary he gives rest, to the wanderer he gives community, to the sinner he offers forgiveness, to the alienated he restores relationships. How do I know this you may ask? It happened in my life and is still happening! When I expect punishment He meets me with grace and mercy. I can't express words of thanks and praise loud enough!

Another revelation I received yesterday was with our church. We cheered on runners at the twin cities marathon. Seeing so many people supporting such a good cause brought tears to my eyes. People were doing something together for good. It was a beautiful picture of Heaven! We're all running a race, all different paces but hopefully we're all going to the same place! I don't know about you but I want to finish my race with as many people as I can finish with!

Another revelation of restoration God's brought in my life is our church community. I'm so used to finding a church and then being uprooted and having to find another one. Yesterday however God reminded me of our church and how in November we've been attending and serving here for 2 years! The first time Zechariah and I came to our church together God told me I was coming home. After one experience with our church in the cities over summer God brought me back and now 2 years later my husband and I never left! God has given me and my family a church to build roots in!

Every single day God shows me something new about His love and His character that changes my perspective on things. I also realize how much more of Him I need. Without His love I would do alot of things wrong, make the wrong decisions and probably destroy the relationships God has built in my life. I pray you'll join me in Thanking God everyday for His love because we really do need it. I pray that we can all come to see God as a restorer of our relationships because He truly does not want us to be alone!

All my love
Tina Martina Putney