Justin’s story shows that God is never in a hurry—and never late. After years away, he discovered that when we return to God with open hands, He restores, renews, and multiplies what we surrender to Him.
God Plays the Long Game: A Story of Restoration, Covenant, and Stewardship
Justin Panoke’s journey reminds us that God’s timing is both patient and purposeful. For sixteen years, Justin lived far from God—years marked by pain, anger, and confusion rooted in childhood wounds. Yet even in that long silence, God was not absent. He was waiting. And when the time was right, Justin heard a quiet but unmistakable voice say, “It’s time. You have to come back.” Those words marked a turning point, not just in circumstance but in heart. It was the moment God began rewriting Justin’s story, transforming what once felt wasted into the foundation of something new.
That new beginning took shape in the form of covenant. Encouraged and supported by their small group at Formation Church (formerly Kakaʻako Christian Fellowship), Justin and his longtime girlfriend Mirasol chose to move their decade-long relationship into marriage before God. What began as obedience became healing. Their marriage became a living testimony of grace—moving from struggle and strife to reconciliation and renewal. Together, they learned that covenant isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a daily act of surrender that allows love to deepen and God’s presence to dwell richly within the home.
Today, Justin and Mirasol see everything they have—time, home, relationships, and resources—as gifts to be stewarded for God’s purposes. Their posture toward life is simple: God owns everything; we just manage it. Whether opening their home for gatherings, supporting others in need, or showing quiet acts of hospitality, they live by the principle of Galatians 6:10—“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Justin often reflects on the story of Obed-Edom in 2 Samuel 6, who welcomed the Ark of the Covenant into his home and, in turn, saw his entire household blessed. For Justin, this image captures the essence of stewardship—when we make space for God’s presence, everything around us begins to flourish.
His story is proof that God restores what’s broken, honors obedience, and multiplies the good that flows from surrendered hearts. It’s a reminder that no matter how long the journey or how far we’ve wandered, God plays the long game—and His timing is always perfect.