Recently, I heard a video by Terri Saville Foy on restoration. She told the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed. But only one – a Samaritan – returned to Jesus to thank Him. Terri explained it this way – all ten lepers were healed, but only leper, who showed his gratitude to Jesus – was restored.
“Rise and go, your faith has made you well” – Luke 17:19
Healing changes the body; Restoration touches the soul
Healing addresses the physical or visible wound or disease. Restoration returns the healed person to the original state, showing no sign of the disease. It goes deeper – reaching the heart, identity and relationship with God. The grateful leper didn’t just walk away with clean skin; he walked away with a whole heart, reconnected to the One who healed and restored him.
Praise the Lord, my soul, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion – Psalm 103:2-4
Healing can happened in a moment; Restoration is a Journey of Faith
The other nine lepers experienced a miraculous moment. But the one who returned to thank Jesus began a journey. His act of gratitude opened a door to a deeper transformation – the ongoing work of being made new, of being whole.
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus – Philippians 1:6
Healing fixed the broken; Restoration give back what was lost
Healing repairs damage; restoration restore back, making things new again. The grateful leper didn’t just receive physical healing – he was welcomed back into his community, given a new identity, and restored to a life beyond what his disease had stolen.
I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten – Joel 2:25
My Invitation
This is my invitation to you today: thank God for His wondrous blessings in your life. Take time to reflect where in your life that you need God’s healing and restoration – be it your health, finances, or relationships.
Healing is God’s mercy; Restoration is His heart.