Are you on a Statue of Liberty Journey?

In today's economic climate, we are inundated with marketing, advertisement and publicity about rebuilding credit.

Two very popular TV shows are: Hoarders & Intervention

In my favorite book there is an entire section dedicated to Job; a man who's entire life was stripped of everything he found valuable, important or comforting, including family, friends and his own health.

Each one of these has a common thread - RESTORATION!

Throughout my life I have heard people quote and stand on the passage, Joel 2:25 as a promise of what was destroyed or removed from their lives will be restored to them.

I myself have quoted 'most' of that passage as a promise. The passage states, "I (God) will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm"...that's it.. we stop there, but here is the rest..." my great army which I sent among you."

One detail of this passage indicates the destructive process is over a period of YEARS, but I think the toughest portion is recognizing that the destroyers were SENT to us.

I truly believe in restoration. I have not only seen it in the lives of others but I myself have experienced the restoration of things that have been devastated.

Maybe you are in a place where restoration is necessary. Let's consider a few details of the restoration process:

Nothing can be restored to new from its current condition, it must be dismantled and stripped down:

When the Statue of Liberty was restored there were a few significant steps taken in the project:

• First, she was closed to the public and scaffolding was put up all around her covering her from sight.
• Then the restoration began on the INSIDE, removing 7 layers of paint and 2 layers of coal tar.
• Once all the paint and tar were removed the 1,350 inner support panels that keep the integrity of the exterior "skin" were removed, cleaned and replace.
• Her right arm was reinforced, a new elevator was installed and an up to date climate control system was installed.
• On the exterior she was furnished with a new set of stairs and a new torch.
• This process began in 1984, commencing for reopening in 1986 - two full years!

Take heart, now you know what to expect:

• Over time the wind, rain, rust, locust caterpillars, etc. are damaging your intended beauty.
• The destruction is out in the open were others are watching
• When the restoration begins, that is done in a secret place.
• A true restoration is not just patching up the outside, but it is rebuilding the inside.
• You will not just be restored to your original position, but rather updated and more efficient.
• You will possess new, more attractive features that draw people to you.
• The time frame is unknown, but the designer will not stop early, leaving nothing undone.

Where are you in this operation?

Maybe you're feeling weathered and dull - don't worry, the process will be worth it.

Maybe you're in the secret place and the interior work has begun - don't fight it, learn in this position.

Maybe you're updates have begun - don't rush it, let them be fully installed before you start operating again.

Maybe you're unveiling was just accomplished - don't take the credit.

None of this procedure is comfortable, but non of the results are ordinary. It will be worth the journey!