Restoration – Begins with the First Step –

This morning in a very ordinary but yet unusual way, the Holy Spirit planted these thoughts in my heart. I share them with you and for the one who they are intended to reach. I welcome your thoughts and affirmation and want you to know Jesus loves you so much more than all the things the world is telling you who you are or who to be. May you have an extraordinary day walking with Jesus. Pastor Calvin

Walking with Jesus

Restoration Begins with a Step

Pastor Calvin Cook

July 24, 2026 — Day 14 of 40

Scripture: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” — Joel 2:25

Perhaps you are questioning, I know I am in a seeking and affirming way – what it really means to walk with Jesus. Maybe even wondering why  I or you should begin or even make the walk worthwhile; this is called struggle.

So much of our lives can be absorbed by the past. We remember our mistakes, disappointments, broken relationships, missed opportunities, and seasons when we wandered far from God. If we are not careful, where we have been begins to determine who we believe we will always be.

But here is the first truth I want you to hear today: Your life from this day forward does not have to be determined by where you have been, but by where you are going. I have found myself sharing this over the last couple of days with several people. Calling it Holy Spirit divine intervention, today I believe we all need that intervention.

That is why walking with Jesus is so important. Jesus does not ignore our past, but neither does He leave us trapped there. He meets us where we are, speaks truth into our lives, and teaches us a new way to live. His grace forgives us, His presence changes us, and His truth guides our next step.

What if we began to see our walk with Jesus as a journey of restoration?

Through the prophet Joel, God spoke to people who had experienced tremendous loss: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” This does not necessarily mean that everything will return exactly as it once was. God’s restoration is often deeper than that. He restores our faith, renews our purpose, heals our hearts, and brings new life from places we thought were permanently barren.

But there is a “but.”

We cannot simply think about walking with Jesus. We cannot remain where we are while only imagining what a restored life might look like. At some point, faith requires us to step forward. To not be held back from the nay-sayers, gosipers and trouble makers. They seem to be the loudest voices that consume our attention. May we instead listen to the voice of God speaking into our midst and regardless of the cost follow Jesus.

We must decide who we want to become in Jesus—and surrender ourselves to who Jesus wants to become in us. We must be willing to leave behind what keeps pulling us backward and take the next faithful step, guided by His truth and teaching.

You may not understand the whole journey today. You do not need to. Jesus is not asking you to see the entire road. He is asking you to trust Him enough to take the next step.

Your past may explain where you have been, but it does not have the authority to determine where Jesus can lead you.

Prayer:

Jesus, I have spent too much time allowing my past to determine my future. Meet me where I am, restore what has been broken, and guide me by Your truth. Give me the courage not only to think about walking with You, but to take the next step. Help me become the person You created and called me to be. Amen.