The Slow Work of Restoration

Why does restoration take time, and what does that mean for your faith?

When we lived in the North of England many moons ago, we bought a house that, while perfectly adequate, didn’t suit our family’s needs. So we set about extending the ground floor and converting the loft (which, in turn, meant lowering all the ceilings on the first floor to meet building regulations—so bar one room, the whole house was transformed).

Let’s just say the process wasn’t as quick as we’d hoped.

I remember heading to the site one day, walking through the front door, looking up, and seeing straight through a hole in the roof to the sky.

We had bought a perfectly good house, and in the process of renovating, ruined it.

It was rubble. And honestly? If we’d seen it in that condition before we bought it, we never would have considered it. But in order for the house to reach its full potential, the old structure needed to be torn down and rebuilt.

The whole process took far longer than we had originally planned or budgeted. It was uncomfortable. It was frustrating. And at times, I wondered if we’d ever see the finished product.

But the delay didn’t mean disaster. It meant something better was being built.

Restoration rarely happens overnight.

Brick by Brick

Nehemiah understood this when he returned to Jerusalem. The city walls weren’t just damaged—they were rubble. Decades had passed. Enemies mocked. Progress was slow. But brick by brick, the walls were rebuilt.

“Let us rise up and build.” – Nehemiah 2:18

Nehemiah’s restoration work wasn’t instant. It required perseverance, faith, and a commitment to keep showing up.

Maybe you’re looking at an area of your life that feels like a demolition zone right now. You thought you were making progress, but now all you see is brokenness. You’re wondering if God is really at work or if things will ever be rebuilt.

Why Does God Take His Time?

Restoration isn’t just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about forming something better.

If I had walked away from our house mid-renovation, I would have missed the beauty of what was being built. And I’m telling you, that house was holy and special when it was done. It was a sign of God’s goodness and provision, and many found refuge and restoration within its walls.

But I get it. Sometimes, we feel like walking away when God’s process feels slow.

But here’s the truth: Some things need time to be rebuilt.

Think about neuroplasticity—the way our brains rewire based on repeated choices. If we’ve lived in fear, shame, or doubt for years, one prayer won’t undo it all. Faith is built in the daily return to trust.

It’s the ‘again and again’ of faith that keeps us growing, forming new neural pathways, shaping new habits of trust, and deepening intimacy with the Father.

God isn’t just restoring circumstances—He’s restoring you.

Brick by Brick, Choice by Choice

The walls of Jerusalem weren’t rebuilt overnight. Nehemiah and his people faced opposition, setbacks, and slow progress. But every stone they laid, every battle they fought, every decision to keep going—it all mattered.

And the same is true for us.

Restoration isn’t one grand moment of breakthrough. It’s found in the daily choices to trust, even when we don’t see the results yet.

• Choosing faith when doubt is easier.

• Returning to prayer when disappointment lingers.

• Walking in obedience even when you don’t see the outcome yet.

Each small act of faith is another brick in the rebuilding process. Over time, what once felt like rubble becomes something strong, secure, and restored.

Restoration isn’t instant—it’s an invitation to trust God in the process.

A Prayer for When Restoration Feels Slow

Father, I confess I want quick answers, but I trust that Your timing is perfect. Give me the patience to walk in faith as You rebuild. Help me not to give up, but to trust in the slow, steady work of Your restoration. Amen.

Let’s Talk

Where in your life are you waiting for restoration? How have you seen God rebuild something over time?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

If this encouraged you, would you share or restack it so others can be encouraged too?

Let’s keep returning to God for our restoration, again and again.

Em