RESTORED
By Glenda Wright

Based on Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 23

She arose from the ashes, the smell of fire still on her worn garments. She couldn’t have gotten up on her own for she was too weary and worn.
 

Where had her strength come from?

Gazing up through tear-filled eyes, she saw standing there beside her the Prince in his royal raiment.  His arms were around her lifting her up---not worried about the filth now covering his attire.
 

She knew who He was, but she didn’t know how well He knew her. His countenance shined with a brilliant light.

His demeanor was as gentle as a lamb.

She thought to herself, “Why is one so revered down here in these ruins where the indigent dwell?”
 

As if reading her mind He said, “My father sent me for you.”

He continued lovingly speaking His Father’s desires, “He wants you to come dine at His table, but there is one condition. You must believe that He sent me.”
 

She said with conviction, “I believe.”
 

Then He said, “The palace is a day’s journey away. We must walk there together.”�
 

As they walked through the streets nearing the city gate, many there sneered at her.
 

The Prince walks with one who is disgraceful,” they said.

Her head bowed in shame.
 

But the Prince lifted it up again and said, “Pay them no mind for though they have money and vain wisdom which bathes them in pride, they are so sad-you-see.”
 

They journeyed on.  She grew faint as night began to fall.

He noticed that she was lagging behind as they entered a meadow.
 

He said, “Let us go rest over here by this stream.
 

It was peaceful and calm.  From His sack He pulled out wafers He called manna. She didn’t know what it was, but it was as sweet as honey. There they rested for the most of the night.

As day began to break, He awakened her saying, “We must tarry farther.”
 

She didn’t understand how they would find their way; the paths were hard to see.
 

But he said, “Follow me, I know the way.”
 

So when He moved to the left, she moved to the left, and when He moved to the right, she moved to the right.

They entered a dark valley, and she wanted to turn back.

The winds howled sounding like wolves; the echoes bounced off the hills.
 

Sensing her apprehension, He said, “I have been this way many times and led many others through this same path safely. Do not fear. If you start to feel afraid just remember that I am with you.”
 

Fear left her. She was comforted by His presence.

The sun beat down on them. The evening drew near. Soon the palace was in sight.  She had never seen a place so beautiful but often dreamed about it.
 

At the gates men bowed down before the Prince. Servants hurried to do his bidding. He led her into the royal palace down long hallways and finally into a beautiful chamber adorned in white. Subjects rushed at his commands, providing her with garments of purple, scarlet and gold linen.

Once she was cleaned up and properly dressed, the Prince escorted her to the banquet.
 

“Is this a joke?” she thought.
 

She saw many of those who had been hateful and unkind to her sitting in the distance.

“Come,” spoke the King. He arose from the table and removed His outer robe and wrapped it around her. “Sit here on the other side of my Son.”
 

 She obeyed.
 

The table was set in gold and white. Maidservants and menservants filled the table bringing wine, water, oil and bread. The finest of everything was set out for her. Her enemies looked on, and they envied her. The King called for his servants to bring her rubies. No longer would she doubt her worth.
 

They brought her silver and gold because her heart was pure.

The table before her was soon filled with all kinds of gifts until it overflowed. She had everything of which she’d ever dreamed.

Just being in the King’s presence satisfied her. Once again the King arose, took a flask of oil, poured some into His hands and placed them on her head. “Bless you my daughter,” He said.

She now had a permanent home.
 

She shouted, “Hallelujah to the King!” as she danced in His presence.
 

Later that night, when she walked back to her chambers, two of the King’s chief guards went with her.
 

Goodness in front of her. Mercy was her rear guard. They followed her everywhere she went daily.
 

She lived in the King’s house surrounded by peace, joy and unconditional love all the days of her life.