When we dig deep into topics from Scripture that affect our lives today as women of faith, big questions tend to surface. Thankfully, our mighty God is faithful to guide us with wisdom and insight as we bring those big questions to him.

Relationships can be difficult at times. They can also be a great blessing, so learning to navigate the intricacies of relationship dynamics is important to our spiritual growth.

Many of us have experienced periods of separation from family members or friends. When the estrangement lingers and there seems to be no solution in sight, what do we do? Can God restore the relationship? How do we pray for broken relationships?

Our Heavenly Father is a God of restoration. When we look at Romans 5:10, we see that God restored our relationship to Him through the death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.

“For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. We were enemies of God through sin. And through Jesus God restored our relationship to Him.” Romans 5:10 NLT

So yes, God can restore relationships, and restoration is part of His plan.

But we need to remember that God’s ways are far beyond our own. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelations 22:13)

There are 3 things to consider as we bring our requests to God and ask him to restore a relationship: God desires to restore relationships according to His way, in His timing, and for His purposes.

God desires to restore relationships His way.

We have our own reasons for wanting a relationship restored. Estrangement hurts. Long periods of time away from family or friends causes an emptiness we cannot fill on our own. We wonder why, and the not knowing adds to the agony.

We try to take control of the situation and resolve it on our own. But we also know, we cannot control our loved one’s actions or decisions. We want to reconcile so badly, that we’re willing to do anything to make it happen!

God’s Word reminds us that if we will take a step back, and let him work it out His way, not only does He get glorified, but it always turns out better than when we try to fix it. Whether we see change happening our not, we can trust our Heavenly Father’s plan. He is always working everything together for our good.

God will also keep us away from harm for our own protection and spiritual growth. We can trust His promises, and also His process.

God desires to restore in His timing.

God’s timing is so vastly different from our own, that we can’t even fathom it.

I once heard a story from a precious woman who was estranged from her father for many years. As he lay in his hospital bed nearing death, she was able to visit with him, and they both took hold of the opportunity to seek each other’s forgiveness and reconcile. This woman could have chosen to harbor bitterness over the years lost, but instead she chose to rejoice in their reconciliation.

When we choose to trust God’s timing instead of our own, we will find renewed peace in God’s sovereignty where our relationships are concerned.

God desires to see restoration for His purposes.

We know that God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) That tells us God is working everything together for our good right now, even when we’re struggling with estrangement from someone we love.

If we’ve been praying for restoration and it hasn’t happened yet, we can trust in God’s promises for us as his beloved children. He will show us the right path.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When the sting of separation from a family member or dear friend leaves a gaping hole in our hearts, it’s hard to keep hoping. God has much to say about hope. Hope is one of our greatest gifts from him.

Hope will breathe life into our day when we feel empty or lonely from seeking reconciliation. But expectations can be exhausting. Expectations can create a weight we weren’t meant to carry, while hope offers relief as we trust God with the outcome.

Have you been in a season of estrangement from a family member or friend and wondering if God will restore that relationship? Let the following prayer guide you into a closer walk with your Heavenly Father. He loves you with an everlasting love. Let’s pray together.

A Prayer to Reconcile with Estranged Family or Friends

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for _________. (Your loved one’s name here.) I know you love them even more than I do, and I pray you will lead us toward reconciliation in our relationship. We have been estranged, but you are a God who can restore what was broken. Renew our hearts and help us both to seek you continually. If either of us has wandered away from you, draw us back with your unfailing love and tender mercy. I trust you and believe in your power to reunite me with ________.

Your ways are perfect, and so is your timing. Even when I can’t see it, you are working in the waiting. Reconciliation often takes time. Help me demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as I wait for you. (Galatians 5:22-23) During this season of waiting, please protect _______ from enemy attacks and be their ever-present help in time of need. (Psalm 46:1)

You have shown through your Word how much you love family bonds. Scripture declares, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) When I speak these words over my own home, help me to live out their meaning with grace and truth.

You are a God who loves connection. You sent your son Jesus to be with your children, spend time with them, and build relationships. Give me wisdom specifically for this estranged relationship. Help me discern when to reach out and when to stay silent.

I will rest in the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, seeking your will as you show me the path to take. I will continue to pray with hope, while also realizing I cannot control another person’s decisions or actions. Help me to know when to hold on and when to let go. I trust you with the outcome.

Relationships with family and friends are not easy, but as long as I keep my focus on you, I know you will work all things together for my good. That doesn’t mean everything between me and _____ will always be good, but that you can bring beauty from ashes.

Thank you for the blessings of the relationships in my life. Thank you for the hope of reconciliation, the joy of family and friends, and the peace that comes through your precious son, Jesus. Amen.

Disclaimer: Today’s post is offered as a short study about restoration and is not intended as professional advice for relationship counseling. If you or someone you know is in a harmful relationship, please seek out a local ministry or counseling center for help. You can also find help at Focus on the Family by clicking here.

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Want to study more about what the Bible says about restoration? Check out this popular post with a more in-depth look at God’s restoration promises.

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Each morning I try to take a brisk walk down our street. There’s a lovely walking trail next to the lake in my neighborhood, but instead of venturing down the trail, I always turn back and stay on the main road instead.

You see, the walking trail runs in between the fishing lake and the houses beside it. It appears to be cutting a path through private property, but my husband assured me that's not the case. And even though I trust my husband fully, I still hesitate before taking the path. I question if it’s safe, or if someone is going to come out their back door and shout at me to stop walking on their property.

I’m a rule follower, and I shudder at the thought of taking a wrong step. If only the path had a clear sign, giving me the okay to go that direction.

My relationship with the Holy Spirit can feel a lot like that walking path. I say that I trust God to guide me, but instead of following with confidence, I let my own thoughts and ideas get in the way. When we sense the Spirit giving us the go-ahead to take a certain path, will we listen? Or will we lean on our own understanding instead?

The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Lives

When Jesus ascended to heaven to be with the Father, he sent us the Holy Spirit as our Helper and Comforter. As we learn more about who he is and our relationship with him, the Holy Spirit will work powerfully in our lives.

Understanding how the Holy Spirit guides us will help us gain confidence in following his lead. Here are 4 ways the Holy Spirit guides us in our daily lives:

Number One: He will bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need them most.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26 ESV

Number Two: He shows us where we should or shouldn’t go.

“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” Acts:16:6

Number Three: He keeps us from sinful ways.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 ESV

Number Four: He guides us in becoming more like Jesus.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23

For more on what it means to let the Spirit lead you, check out our explanation in the video below:

Carmen & Kristine explain what it means to be led by the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

What Happens When We Follow the Spirit’s Leading

One morning, I decided to trust my husband and take a step of faith down the winding path. “People walk that trail all the time,” he insisted, “I promise you; it will be okay.”

At first, the well-manicured path led me through a peaceful setting next to the serene lake. I listened as a variety of birds sang, reminding me how God feeds even the little birds. (Matthew 6:26)

But soon, overgrowth covered the trail and brush blocked the view in front of me. I paused, and for a moment, I second-guessed my decision. As I was about to turn back, I noticed that I could see through the brush where the trail connected with the familiar street up ahead. I enjoyed the rest of my walk and made it safely to the end. It turned out, my husband was right. (But don’t tell him I said so.)

I’ve been known to second-guess a choice I made, even if I prayed about it and sensed the Holy Spirit guiding me. Because sometimes, the path gets rocky, even when we’re headed in the right direction. Friend, we shouldn’t assume that we’ve made a wrong turn when the path gets rough. The struggle of the rocky terrain may be what God will use to build our faith and strengthen our dependence on him.

Let’s pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us today. May we have wisdom to always seek the Holy Spirit’s understanding instead of our own.

A Prayer to Be Led by the Spirit

Dear Lord,

Teach me to do your will. I know you’ve called me to serve you, but I don’t know what to do next. I want to be led by the Holy Spirit, so I can live out the special purpose you have for me. I seek you today, Father. Let your good Spirit guide me.

Isaiah 30:21 reads, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Sometimes I don’t know which way to go. Help me hear the Holy Spirit’s voice. Teach me how to slow down and take a break from the noise of the world in order to hear you clearly. Help me discern your voice above all others and trust where you lead me.

When I get impatient, thank you for reminding me to seek the fruits of the Spirit, including patience and faithfulness. I know you are with me, and I will continue listening as you direct me to take the next step. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to lead me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

(This prayer was taken from a devotion by Kristine Brown, written for Crosswalk.)