Prayer & Fasting Devotional | Day 3

When we reflect on the word restoration, we often refer to a specific area of our life or even a person or relationship within our day to day circle. All of these are valid, and we must understand that God desires to restore that which has been broken, lost, and corrupted. But as we take a deeper look into the viewpoint provided in the context of Isaiah, the prophet makes it intentionally clear that even more than those broken areas of our lives, God longs to see a heart that “hopes in the Lord”. In fact, when we obtain this ability to place our hope in the only one who can restore and redeem the dark places and crevices of our lives, our strength is renewed and secure with the ability to be refueled by the presence of God. What we must understand in context is the Israelites had been in exile in Babylon for some time and had become exhausted due to their circumstances. This passage in verse 31 was meant to encourage them in their captivity and waiting and was a reminder that hope in the Lord produces assurance and strength that comes from His faithfulness. This verse can be applied to the idea that God will help us use adversities to our advantage because he takes what the enemy meant for evil and He turns it into good, He restores it. If you’re seeking restoration in an area of your life, be encouraged to first place your hope in the one who will renew you inwardly before He restores what you desire.

Prayer:  Lord, today I choose to wait upon your presence and your power. Though I have many questions, I lack clarity, and I feel overwhelmed and distant from where I know that I should be; I also recognize that I am a sinner who has made many mistakes and fallen short of your glory. Today and moving forward, I believe that it is by the grace and mercy of Jesus that I may have a blessed hope. So right now, I lift up ________ and ask that you would restore and renew the hurting and broken places. Mend what must be mended. Heal what must be healed. I will not stay stuck within that which has held me captive in my mind, body, and spirit, or in my family, marriage, and life; but instead I choose to hope in the truth of your Word. Father, I ask that you renew my strength, renew my mind and my heart, and restore the places of my life that have hid in darkness and have left me empty, bitter, and weary. I wait upon you and trust that you are good and faithful to complete what you have begun in me. Do a new thing and let it start in my heart.
In Jesus name, amen.

Application:

• Identify the areas of your life where you have either fallen short or you lack trust, obedience, or strength.
• With a humble heart, ask God to restore and renew those dark places with His light, His love, and His strength.