Throughout the book, “Restoring All Things” by Warren Cole Smith, and John Stonestreet address many relevant cultural topics in America, and how Christians are striving to not only preach the good news of the Lord, but also live out their faith. As the title suggests, restoration a common theme found throughout every chapter of the book. Smith and Stonestreet communicate stories of individuals that have become active members in their communities to help renew and restore what has been previously broken and dysfunctional. “Restoring All Things” is a book that exhibits Matthew 25:35-46, where Jesus is talking to his disciples, using a series of parables expressing how His followers are to live. Throughout these passages, Jesus informs His disciples that, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew, 25:40). Furthermore, Jesus articulates that, “whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me”
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I ask God why bad things happen. A failed relationship, and damaged friendship, it feels bleak, and purposeless, pain without purpose the goal is to escape the situation, run from the discomfort. Then I read the story of Joni, a woman who broke her back in a diving accident, causing her to become quadriplegic. Joni states, “All too often we want to erase suffering out of the Christians dictionary… Maybe it gives me credence when I speak from this wheelchair about the sufficiency of God and His word and His grace” (Smith, & Stonestreet, p. 152, 2015). Regardless of how bleak the present may seem, God has a plan for everything, and there is no aspect of my life that His grace will not sustain me. This story reminded me to be grateful in all circumstances, and to find joy in the places the Lord has placed me, even when it is difficult to
I ask God why bad things happen. A failed relationship, and damaged friendship, it feels bleak, and purposeless, pain without purpose the goal is to escape the situation, run from the discomfort. Then I read the story of Joni, a woman who broke her back in a diving accident, causing her to become quadriplegic. Joni states, “All too often we want to erase suffering out of the Christians dictionary… Maybe it gives me credence when I speak from this wheelchair about the sufficiency of God and His word and His grace” (Smith, & Stonestreet, p. 152, 2015). Regardless of how bleak the present may seem, God has a plan for everything, and there is no aspect of my life that His grace will not sustain me. This story reminded me to be grateful in all circumstances, and to find joy in the places the Lord has placed me, even when it is difficult to