Ryan Wilhite

“Restoration”

Does your life or future feel hopeless right now? 

Maybe it’s just one situation that has brought you to a dark place recently.

God allowed me to go to that place a little over a month ago. But He was with me every step of the way and got me out of that darkness with His perfect timing.

I was hurting bad and couldn’t see much hope in the moment, other than God reminding me He was still there with me. He took me from the toughest moment of my entire life, to having the weight lifted within a few hours. Only God can do a transformation like that. 

Things don’t always go like we’d hoped or planned. But His plans and timing are always perfect. 

I’m so grateful He allowed me to go to that place not long ago. He grew my faith through it all and now He can use it to help others fighting similar battles. Even when He seems distant or silent, He is always working. He loves you so much. Never give up. 

I bought this tractor from a good friend at work, about ten years ago. It had been sitting outside for quite some time, but it was something I could afford. I didn’t have any ground rented yet, but had some hopes of farming someday. 

The first time i looked at it, it wouldn’t start. The cab and seat had been destroyed by mice. The whole tractor was a mess. I knew this was the one though, as funds were limited and saw hope in that old faded iron. 

There was a time in my life, where i was very broken and seemed beyond repair too. All it needed was a new starter and battery. I replaced the seat and interior. After many hours of scrubbing and waxing, it looked new again. It needed some new paint on the rims, frame and decals, but everything else shined up like new. 

I originally bought it to plant food plots for deer hunting. A few short months later, that same tractor planted my first crop and hauled grain to town. I still have it today for mowing and other odd jobs. I didn’t know it back then, but God had a much greater purpose behind every detail.

Looking back its a good representation of how God transforms us and continues to work in our lives when we ask Him into our heart. If you’re still struggling with something, don’t let it get you down. God is never angry or disappointed with us.

The Holy Spirit is there to help you every step of the way. He’s broken so many chains in my life and continues too.The refining process may be long and painful in the moment, but it’s definitely worth it in the end. He’s still working on me and helping me through the tough times. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 

I may not have had any faded paint or rust, but my life was filled with drug and alcohol addiction, anger, not wanting to be here and many other issues, a list too long to name. Over time God slowly stripped those things away and He’s still refining me just like an old worn out tractor. 

That is a never ending process until we’re called home. When I started a relationship with God, none of those things defined me anymore. My new identity was in Christ alone. He gave me a hope, purpose and plan for my life. Starting a relationship with God and surrendering everything, has been the best decision I’ve ever made. 

God’s done a complete 180 in my life these last few years. Give it all to God and let the Holy Spirit guide and change your life. If you haven’t made that decision yet and have questions, feel free to reach out anytime. God loves you unconditionally and has a plan and purpose for your life.