Replace, Replenish, Restore
Often we get caught up in what we’ve lost. Maybe it was a friendship, job, or relationship. We’ve all experienced losing something that we didn’t think we would have to part from. But it happens. For a lot of us, it happened in 2020.
I’m pretty comfortable with being transparent. So I’ll be the first to say I lost a lot in 2020. It is almost as if I had to start completely over. All I had left for sure was my car (and that is another story for another day). But what I can say is that I’ve learned that God will not leave a void. He will either replace, replenish, or restore.
Often our human minds limit what we can believe because logic attempts to override faith. Those limitations cause us to hold on to what we have with a tighter grip. When that thing exits our lives, we are distraught and discombobulated. Sometimes, the exit of a thing we’ve held on to for too long is a blessing. When the Lord replaces, He gives you what you need. You may want a man that’s 6’3, caramel, with a six-figure income and to die for looks. But what you need maybe someone that isn’t your preferred physical taste, but he can walk perfectly beside you in life. Maybe you want a high paying job with the boss title. But you need the lesser paying job that provides the freedom you need to pursue your God-given assignments. He will replace your vision with His best.
In some scenarios, we aren’t good stewards of what God blesses us with. When we aren’t good stewards, we tend to lose those blessings. We are left depleted and empty. Let’s say you’re always pouring into everyone else. You’re constantly giving your energy and time to everyone else. You’re the yes man/woman. As time goes on, your joy begins to dwindle. Your peace of mind begins to deteriorate. But God can replenish in those areas if you allow Him to. You have to sit in His presence. You have to give Him time just like you give time to friends, families, and activities. You can’t produce when you’re left empty.
Some things leave for a season. God removes or allows for certain things to leave our lives to accomplish something. It may be that our dependency and trust in that thing is so great that it becomes an idol. We often create idols in our lives without even being aware. Think about your thought process. What consumes your time? What are you obsessing over? Sometimes those things compete with God’s role. He’s a jealous God! He will not compete with His creation. So that may mean He removes the distraction for a season. Other times, things are removed so that He can work on our character. Maybe you became arrogant and prideful as if you’ve arrived once He granted you access to a desire. Sometimes, the removal of it will humble you quickly! He may need you to prove that He can trust you with His gifts again. But in due season, He can restore. He will restore what’s in His will for you to have. He will restore the friendship. He will restore the business. He will restore the ministry. He will restore the family.
Whatever you think you’ve lost, let it be. Focus on God. When you focus on Him, voids are filled. When you focus on Him, clarity comes. So spend more time in the Word. Spend more time in worship. It’s okay to be still. Let Him do His work. At the appointed time, He will either replace, replenish, or restore.
Will you trust Him to do it?