Restoration and Hope | Marriage and Divorce

If you have come to this lesson carrying wounds from a failed marriage, divorce, or blended family, there is a message God wants you to hear: there is hope. The God who restores the years the locusts have eaten can restore your life also.

The God of Second Chances

Is God capable of restoring what was destroyed?

No, what is lost is lost Yes, He will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten Only in special cases Only in eternity

God is a specialist in restoration. He takes what was devastated and creates something new. This does not mean that consequences disappear magically, but that He can bring beauty from ashes.

What is Jesus's purpose for the brokenhearted?

Condemn them for their errors Ignore them and move on Heal the brokenhearted Remind them constantly of the past

Jesus came to heal, not to condemn. If your heart is broken by a failed marriage, He is near you and desires to restore it.

“Jesus came to this world to demonstrate that, receiving power from above, man can live an unblemished life… And all who surrender entirely to God, He will restore, purify, and sanctify.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 311

Forgiveness Is Possible

What sin is beyond God's forgiveness?

Adultery Divorce None — if we confess, He is faithful to forgive all sins Repeated sins

There is no sin too great for God’s forgiveness. If you have failed in your marriage — whether as an aggressor or victim of your own poor choices — God offers complete forgiveness when you repent.

Does God remember the sins He has forgiven?

Yes, He keeps a record for future reference No, He will remember their sins no more Sometimes, when He needs to discipline Only small sins are forgotten

Forgiving Yourself and Others

Why is it important to forgive those who hurt us in marriage?

So the other person feels good Because bitterness destroys us and prevents our healing To appear spiritually mature It is not necessary to forgive

Lack of forgiveness is like drinking poison expecting the other person to die. It keeps us tied to the past and prevents us from moving forward. Forgiveness is not approving what was done, but freeing yourself from the power that person has over you.

What happens when we do not forgive?

Nothing, it is our personal choice Unforgiveness imprisons us spiritually God understands and does not care We become stronger

“We have the privilege of praying for those who wronged us and, in doing so, the bitterness we feel is gradually replaced by Christ’s love.” — Ellen G. White, Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 2, p. 451

Blended Families

Can God bless blended families?

No, blended families are outside God's plan Yes, He works all things together for good for those who love Him Only if everyone is perfect Blended families are second class

Blended families face unique challenges, but are not outside the reach of God’s grace. With wisdom, patience, and commitment to biblical principles, they can flourish and be witnesses to restoration.

What should be the attitude of a Christian stepparent?

Completely replace the biological parent Ignore the stepchildren Raise the children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, with love and patience Compete with the other parent

Beginning Again With Hope

What does God want to do with us, regardless of our past?

Punish us for the rest of our lives Give us a future and hope, not for evil, but for good Leave us alone Make us pay for our mistakes

God has plans of hope for you. Your past does not define your future. His mercies are new every morning. Today is a new day.

What should we do with our painful past?

Dwell on it constantly Forget it completely as if it never happened Forgetting what lies behind, press toward the goal Hold onto bitterness so we do not repeat it

“No matter how sinful someone’s past has been. If that person comes to Christ with sincere repentance, He accepts them. There is no sin so great that grace cannot forgive.” — Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 52

Practical Steps for Restoration

Confess: Recognize your errors before God and receive His forgiveness
Forgive: Release those who hurt you; forgive yourself as well
Heal: Give time for healing; consider Christian counseling
Learn: Identify what went wrong to avoid repeating destructive patterns
Grow: Strengthen your personal spiritual life
Trust: Entrust your future into God’s hands

And Now?

If you carry wounds from past relationships:

God is not finished with you: He has plans of hope for your future
Forgiveness is available: There is no sin beyond God’s grace
Healing takes time: Be patient with yourself in the process
You are not alone: Seek support in the faith community
There is hope: Many have found restoration and happiness after failure

I accept God’s restorative grace for my life. I choose to forgive those who hurt me and to forgive myself. I entrust my past into God’s hands and look toward the future with hope, believing that He can make all things new.

6) Restoration and Hope