Key Verse:

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.”

— Joel 2:25

Rooted Truth:

God not only forgives—He redeems lost time and wasted seasons.

Faith Story:

John Newton, the former slave trader who became a preacher and hymn writer, often grieved over the years he spent in rebellion and sin. Yet he testified of God’s restoration:

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.”

The years Newton squandered in sin became years God redeemed for His glory. Through Newton’s ministry—and his hymn Amazing Grace—millions have heard the gospel.

With God, wasted years are never truly wasted. He has the power to restore what was lost, broken, or stolen.

Scripture for Deeper Roots:

Isaiah 61:7 – “Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion…”

Job 42:10 – “And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends…”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Daily Practice:

Think of a season of your life you feel was “wasted.” Write it down, then cross it out and write over it: “Redeemed by God’s grace.” Pray for Him to use even those years for His glory.

Daily Prayer:

Lord, You are the Restorer of years. Thank You that nothing in my life is beyond Your redemption. Take the seasons I’ve lost and make them fruitful for Your Kingdom. Amen.

Deep Reflection:

• What years of your life feel like they were “eaten by locusts”?

• How does God’s promise in Joel 2:25 bring you hope?

• In what ways might God use your past to minister to others today?

#DeeplyRooted #DailyRenewed

Devotions for a Grounded and Growing Faith