Buildings...

So today is going to be Flashback Friday...:)  Remember this building?  It represents loss in our lives.  Real loss and devastation in my life.  This building was the site of many Stayer family gatherings, many birthdays...
As we watched this building be torn down we remembered and revisited those precious memories. We watched as everything but the walls and the foundation was torn away.  We've been waiting to see what would come next...

Well today let me show you this!  We have gained 3 new businesses out of the last one!  Does that make up for the last one?  Does that replace the previous building?  Remember as you look at this new building... the foundation that held the previous building upright is the same that holds this building upright!  Some of the walls are even the same...so the memories are still within.
Now let me tell you something about loss....
New is not meant to replace previous!  These buildings are a perfect visual of what God does with loss in our lives.  He doesn't replace, He restores and rebuilds what has been devastated!  He even multiplies!  The process can be long and HARD but hold fast to HIS promises! 

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame...your people will rebuild...and will raise up the age-old foundations; You will be called Restorer of broken walls" (Pam paraphrased from Isaiah 58: 11-12 )

"They will REBUILD the old ruins and RESTORE the places long devastated; they will RENEW that which was ruined....Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance....and everlasting joy will be yours." Isaiah 61: 4, 7

Yes these are promises given to the people of Israel speaking of their beloved city...but I think the promises hold true to our beloved things, to our devastations, our losses...because our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!  Selah...sit in quiet and ponder these truths, allowing God to speak to the hurt and pain in your life...He wants to RESTORE, REBUILD, and RENEW...will you allow Him to do the work?