This article originally written for the CLC Car Show.
When someone who has the skills to restore that old rusted out Chevy sees her in that state, does he see what is, or what could be? Someone who restores sees what could be.
God looks at each of us in the same way. Not as we are, but as we could be! He is in the restoration business. He has all the right tools, he has the original manufacturer’s plans and he has all the right parts. And more importantly, he wants to restore each one of us, not as a mass produced replica, but as a one of a kind masterpiece.
The question you need to answer: Are you willing to let him restore you to mint condition? Here’s how you can let him begin that process in your life:
First: Recognize that God loves you and wants to restore you so you experience true peace and life. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Second: Recognize that in your rusted out condition (the Bible calls it sin) the personal relationship God desires with you isn’t possible. Simply changing the oil in that old rusted out car isn’t enough to call it restored. Simply spraying a new coat of paint over the rust won’t restore the car. The Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
Third: Recognize that there is nothing that you can do to provide the restoration that needs to happen. A car cannot restore itself and you cannot restore yourself. The restoration of a car takes much blood, sweat and tears. The restoration of your soul also takes much blood, sweat and tears. Fortunately, God provided the work and the also the replacement parts. The Bible says, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Four: You must accept the restorative work that Jesus Christ did on your behalf and begin to trust him as your Lord and Savior. The Bible says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)
You can let God begin the restoration process today, simply pray these words: Dear God, thank you that you love me and see me as I could be, not as I am. Today I want you to start the process of restoration of my soul. I admit I’ve been living my way instead of your way. Today, I want to begin living your way. Please forgive me. Thank you that you sent your son Jesus to die for my sins and that he rose from the dead to prove that restoration is possible. Help me to start living for you from this day forward.
If you have prayed that simple prayer and meant it in your heart, God has already begun to restore your soul! Congratulations!
