Young Adults' Group

The Ministry Of Restoration

by Pastor Mark
September 02, 2021

The prayer for restoration 

We thank God for a wonderful 40+8th Anniversary Service where we witnessed the ordination of Pastors Moses and Eugene. It is great to see how God has raised two more pastors to serve Him in Bethany. 

Pastor Charles gave a vital message concerning the work of restoration to us, especially to the two newly ordained pastors. The prayer of Asaph for restoration involved seeking God as our great Shepherd. He made the plea three times for God to restore Israel, “Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” (Psalm 80:3,7,19) Part of the work of restoration was for God to shine His face upon them. It is for Him to bring about their salvation. Asaph recognised that only God can do this work of restoration fully. Personally, I was challenged by what was shared. These are some of my reflections.  

The need for restoration 

An important lesson is to see the vital need for our brethren to be restored. Asaph was able to see the many problems that Israel had and they needed restoration. God was angry with Israel and was not hearing their prayers (Ps 80:4). There were times when they had to go through difficulties and tears were shed (Ps 80:5). The people were estranged from God and He had broken down their hedges (Ps 80:12). They were no longer fruitful. It takes wisdom and discernment to understand the problems of our brethren clearly. Our challenge is to be able to understand their need for restoration and to minister accordingly.

The work of restoration 

1. A ministry of the present and future

As we studied Psalms 78–80, Pastor shared that the work of restoration is a ministry for the pastors to do in “history present” and “history future”. The focus is no longer on the history of the past. The challenge is to minister to the needs of our present brethren and our future brethren. 

 2. A ministry of prayer 

The ministry of restoration involves much prayer. Our challenge is to offer prayers of restoration on behalf of our brethren, while understanding their needs. It is a prayer for God to return, “Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts.” (Ps 80:14) It is in helping people to be restored in their relationship with God that they may be fruitful again.  

 3. A prayer for revival

The work of restoration is challenging work. Humbly, I recognise the need for revival of my spirit and strength. I echo the words of Asaph, “Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.” (Ps 80:18) Let us all pray for the revival of our spirits.  

Pray for us  

As we enter our 40+9th year of ministry, pray for us as pastors as we continue to serve the Lord and our brethren in Bethany…that His hand would be upon us (Ps 80:17). May the Lord continue to bless our church as we do the work of restoration in the year ahead.  

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