I wanted to delete one file. One file – not the entire flashdrive! But it was too late. I could only sit there in front of my computer with my mouth open as I watched the green line race across the screen which said, “Deleting 13 files”. The green line got to the end, and the process was complete. I had just erased my files of future blog posts, all my notes for the Bible study I lead on Wednesday nights, and a working document called “Things I need to do”. Too bad “remember to transfer files from flashdrive to computer” wasn’t on that list.
There may be some tech-savvy folks out there who know how to get files back after deleting them from a flashdrive, but I sure couldn’t figure it out. A lot of hard work was wiped out in a matter of seconds. I can’t get them back, and the only thing left to do is start over. But who knows? Maybe the things I lost will be even better this time around.
Life files can feel deleted sometimes. We lose a job. We lose money. We lose relationships we cherished. We lose out on opportunities that may never come again. And sometimes all we can do is start over. But we have promises about life that technology can’t promise about our computer files. God restores things. He works all things (even deleted things) together to make something good.
Some things can’t be restored in the way we’d like. But they can be made new.
Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth. Isaiah 43:19
So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten Joel 2:25
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev. 21:5
Anticipatience 
If your lost files were ever on your hard drive, chances are good that copies may be found in your Recycle Bin, a special folder that automatically saves copies of “deleted” files. The Recycle Bin is usually found on your Desktop (background icons), else look under My Computer or the Start Menu. Depending on your version of windows, it might be found there even if the files never were on your hard drive, but just because the flashdrive was attached to your PC when they were deleted.
I’m hoping that you can recover them. I know that sinking feeling.
Thanks for the suggestion! I tried it, and the files weren’t there, but at least I know I made every attempt I could. Seems God wanted me to continue to learn the lessons of patience and not freaking out. And like the post says, at least HE can make all things new, even when I cant! 🙂
Thanks for posting that. I needed to be reminded of those verses and I like how you wrote your stroy bringing it around to Life application like that. I lost my job the end of last year and am doing different Temp jobs right now. and yes, I do feel like God is doing something new. Just not sure what it’s going to be yet. However, I am excited to know what it’ll be. Thanks again!
Bonnie Thompson (Pauline’s sister) 🙂