Restoration Takes Time

One of the major effects on the economy of the lockdown that many nations have been or still are experiencing is the shutdown of all but the most essential businesses and shops. The day before the beginning of the lockdown here in the United Kingdom, I purchased a hair clipper, because I anticipated that barbers and hairdressers would be one of those services that would be unavailable.

That proved correct and eventually the time arrived and passed when I would normally have made a trip to the barber to get my hair cut. I finally plucked up the courage to attempt to cut my own hair. It seemed unkind to ask my wife Gemma to try and help me, as she is visually impaired. As it turned out she may well have done a better job than me because at the time of writing this Seed I have a bald patch on the back of my head and very thin areas on the sides. I’m now wearing a hat, when I go out, until my hair grows back again.

My experience at do it yourself hairdressing caused me to think of the account in Judges 16, describing the restoration of Samson’s hair and his relationship with God as he pulled down the pillars supporting the Philistine temple of Dagon. Unlike my loss of hair, Samson’s loss, through his compromising relationship with Delilah, broke his covenant relationship with God, and he became a prisoner of his Philistine enemies.

Yet, even in his broken state and humiliation, the Lord was working in his heart, As his hair grew again, so also did his relationship with God, and he killed more enemies in his death than he killed during his life. That speaks so much to me of God’s heart to restore any of His children when they mess up, even when it seems that there’s no way back to relationship with Him. It also reminds me that restoration takes time, just as it takes time for hair to grow again.

Perhaps there’s someone reading this Seed who feels that they have messed up their relationship with the Lord. It may even seem that there’s no way back to Him. Can I encourage anyone who’s feeling like that to simply come as you are to the Lord. Ask Him to forgive you and restore you. Seek out trusted Christian help and be patient as the Lord begins to renew and mend your life, and please remember that restoration takes time.

Perhaps I could pray for anyone who identifies with the words above.

Prayer: Father, thank You that Your heart is a heart of mercy. You are the Father whom Jesus described in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I pray for anyone reading this Seed today who feels a long way from You for any reason. Thank You that You are near and not distant from them. Please help them to come in honesty and confession before You to receive Your forgiveness and grace. Please help them to trust You as You restore their life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.