Vicar's Letter

Do you need repairing?

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

Easter morning is a glorious reminder: Jesus is risen! But the good news of the Resurrection does not end when the holiday calendar turns. For many of us, the days after Easter are when faith is tested, when we notice that life is still full of brokenness: strained relationships, worn-out bodies, quiet loneliness, forgotten dreams, and “repairs” that still need to be made.

As I have shared with many of you my garden shed had fallen into disrepair. It had become a disappointment—partly because it no longer served its purpose, and partly because it looked neglected. At times, it felt like the shed had simply been left to suffer, the way we can sometimes feel left behind.

But knowing how useful it could be, I decided I would not give up on it. I began by repairing what was truly broken— rebuilding a frame inside it, steadying the back wall which had dropped 6 inches on one side, replaced what could not be saved, and fixed the damage that had spread over time. Then I cleaned it carefully, replaced the roof and floor, and finally painted it. Bit by bit, it changed from something unusable to something strong, clean, and useful again.

As I worked, I couldn’t help but think about what God does in our hearts. The Resurrection is not only a doctrine we celebrate, it is a power we live by. Jesus’ victory over death means He can bring new life into what seems hopeless.

Sometimes older saints can feel invisible, as if their value fades with time. Yet Scripture is clear: God values every person, and He knows the number of hairs on our heads. The same Saviour who rose from the grave is still at work, still attentive, still tender, still calling His people to healing.

Even if our “shed” looks beyond repair to others, or even to ourselves, God specializes in restoration.

When I repaired my shed, it was not a quick patch. Real restoration takes steps. First came honesty about what was wrong. Then came patient work and the help of some strong young men. Then came renewed protection, painted and sealed so it could stand against future wear.

In a similar way, God brings healing with purpose. Sometimes He uses time, sometimes He uses help from others, and sometimes He brings comfort in the quiet moments when we finally stop fighting alone.

“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalm 126:5)

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” (Joel 2:25)

God is able to restore what was lost, strengthen what was weakened, and renew what was ruined.

The Resurrection doesn’t only promise a future resurrection, it promises a living Christ who works now. When Jesus rose, He declared that nothing is beyond God’s reach. Not grief. Not sickness. Not regret. Not burdens carried too long.

“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19)

That “new creation” doesn’t mean we suddenly forget our pain. It means God can transform our story. Like the shed after repair, we may still have “history”, but our ending is not defeat.

If you are carrying a broken heart or feeling worn out, please remember this: God does not waste brokenness. He can turn it into testimony. He can rebuild what has sagged. He can paint over the places we thought would always remain damaged.

So, after Easter, keep trusting the risen Lord. Ask Him to bind up wounds, strengthen weak hands, and help you take one faithful step at a time.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

God values you. God sees you. And through the power of the Resurrection, God brings healing and restoration—until what was once unusable becomes useful again, all for His glory.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Brian Leathers March 2026