The Heart Of A Man

A Restorer Moment

I just finished reading an awesome book (the Restorer) the other night by Sharon Hinck. In this book, a soccer mom gets transported to an alternate universe where she is a Restorer. In this role, similar to the judges of the Old Testament, Susan often finds herself speaking truths to the people of that world. The words are inspired and strike right at the heart of the issue. She is often left in awe of how the One (God) provides the words she needs. I had a similar experience just last night.

I had been outside and when I came in, my two oldest daughters were in the middle of an arguement. I instructed them to sit on the couch and I pulled up a chair in front of them, just silently looking back and forth at them for several minutes. During this time they both meekly prayed and said they were sorry and asked me to forgive them. I told them both that I appreciated that they were sorry and that I did forgive them, but then I added “That doesn’t change anything.” I proceeded to explain to them that the reason I was not happy with their behavior was not because they were disobeying me, but because I saw that they were destroying themselves. I told them how the attitudes they’ve been showing will only bring hurt and sorrow to themselves and those around them who love them. Then I said:

“There is only one person who can make you decide to change, and there is only One person who can change you. Your mommy and I have tried talking to you and disciplining you, but none of that is going to change you. The only one who can make you decide to change is you. The only One who can change you is God. But He won’t change you unless you want to be changed. You have to decide if that is what you want.”

As I finished, I sat there quietly thinking, “Where did THAT come from?” That’s when I realized I had just experienced a Restorer moment. Just like Susan, as I opened my mouth, not knowing what to say, God put the words that they needed to hear. The tears streaming down their faces as they quietly wept were a testimony to me that the words He gave me were so much more effective than anything I’ve tried to do on my own.

Thank you Sharon for opening my eyes and heart to see that God can, and does, speak through me to the hearts of my girls.

I'd highly recommend reading the Restorer for yourself. It might just open your eyes and heart to realize just how dependant we are on God, and you might find yourself having a Restorer moment of your own.

If you do, please share it with me. I'd love to hear about it.

posted by David @ 12:05 AM