Better Than Ever

Nº 276

Though God created the world, like us it has suffered the destructive causes of the Fall. As He cares about the restoration of mankind, so He is glorified when His orderliness, beauty and symmetry are restored to the world.- John Hannah

While at a Christian camp in Bolivia I spoke in a large, sturdy, comfortable meeting room that held 150 guests with room to spare. A few years ago, a wild wind ripped through the camp and rain poured down. The roots of a very large tree gave way; it fell shattering the meeting room’s roof, crushing the walls, and slicing the building in two.

As word of the disaster spread, God moved in people’s hearts. Friends gave money, donated time and expertise, and rallied support for a new and improved building. Even the lumber from the fallen tree was used in the reconstruction. Soon a new, expanded, and improved meeting room was established – better than ever.

God is in the business of retooling our disasters into things of greater usefulness and beauty. He can use the pain in our lives to make us better – if we let him.

Isaiah looked forward to a day when God will make a great exchange. Someday God will make all things right and we will have “...a crown of beauty instead of ashes, oil for gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3b)

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc