Ruins
by Tanya Person
Recently, on a trip in an Eastern European country, I saw a large building, which was mostly in ruins. Then I noticed that one small corner of the building was in good repair and a shop was using the space. It seemed such a waste that most of the building couldn’t be used, but I felt God was showing me a comparison with the lives of people.
Often when things happen to us, we close off the part of ourselves that’s damaged and go on with our lives. Like the building I saw, we can have part of our lives that looks good to everyone else, with business as usual, but it’s just one part of ourselves, while the rest of our lives are in crumbling ruins.
When I saw that building, I felt sadness for the wasted potential that was in it, and I wondered how long they would be able to keep the shop open. I realised the damage to the rest of the building would eventually affect the safety of the entire structure. As I felt God showing me the comparison between the building and people, I felt His compassion. God wants to restore the parts of your life that are falling into disrepair. He wants to make you whole, complete and able to reach your full potential.
Don’t be deceived into thinking that you’re fine to go on living as you are, with this corner shop that’s nicely painted and still in business. God has so much more in store for you! Are you willing to let Him come in, as the Master Builder, and restore the broken and damaged parts of your life? As our Scripture today says, He knows His plans for you. He has the blueprint for your life and He knows exactly what has damaged each area. In His love and compassion He longs for you to be restored and made whole. Can you feel Him calling to you? Are you ready to respond?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, my life is like that building. I’ve closed off damaged parts of myself thinking that I could survive without that part. But I hear You calling me, and I want You to come in and restore me to wholeness. Please start the work of restoration in my life. I give You permission to come into those areas that I closed, and make me new. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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