NO MORE LOSSES

Title: NO MORE LOSSES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Joel 2:25 – "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you."

Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 61:7
Psalm 30:5
Romans 8:37
John 10:10

INTRODUCTION:
Loss is a painful experience that everyone encounters at some point in life, whether it’s through financial setbacks, relationships, health issues, or dreams unfulfilled. However, as believers, we are assured of God's promise of restoration. This sermon explores how God can turn our losses into gains, leading us to a place of abundance and victory.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE SOURCE OF LOSSES
To address losses effectively, we must first understand their origins.

a) Spiritual Warfare: Losses can stem from spiritual attacks aimed at derailing our purpose (Ephesians 6:12).

b) Poor Decisions: Sometimes, losses are the result of choices we make that lead us away from God's will (Proverbs 14:12).

c) Natural Life Challenges: Life's trials and tribulations can cause significant losses (John 16:33).

d) Divine Purposes: Occasionally, God allows losses for a greater purpose or to refine our character (Romans 8:28).

Biblical Example:
Job experienced immense loss, but his story illustrates how faith in God leads to restoration (Job 42:10).

2. GOD'S PROMISE OF RESTORATION
God's word reassures us that He is a God of restoration who desires to redeem our losses.

a) Divine Restoration: God promises to restore what has been lost and even multiply our blessings (Joel 2:25).

b) Hope for the Future: God assures us that our future is filled with hope, even after losses (Jeremiah 29:11).

c) Unmerited Grace: God’s restoration is often not based on our merit but on His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9).

d) Faith as a Catalyst: Our faith plays a crucial role in receiving God’s restoration (Matthew 9:29).

Biblical Example:
Zacchaeus experienced restoration not only of his financial losses but also of his relationship with God after repenting (Luke 19:1-10).

3. ACTIVATING RESTORATION IN OUR LIVES
There are practical steps we can take to activate God’s promise of restoration.

a) Repentance: Acknowledging our mistakes opens the door to God’s restoration (1 John 1:9).

b) Prayer and Fasting: Seeking God earnestly invites His intervention in our losses (Matthew 17:21).

c) Sowing Seeds of Faith: Actively sowing into God’s work can lead to divine restoration (Galatians 6:7-9).

d) Staying Connected to God: Cultivating a close relationship with God ensures we are aligned with His will (John 15:5).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites’ repentance and crying out to God resulted in divine intervention and restoration of their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

4. THE ROLE OF FAITH IN OVERCOMING LOSSES
Faith is essential in overcoming losses and believing in God's restoration.

a) Trusting God's Timing: Believing that God’s timing is perfect helps us endure during tough times (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

b) Visualising the Blessing: Having a vision of restoration encourages us to keep pressing forward (Proverbs 29:18).

c) Confessing God’s Word: Declaring God’s promises over our lives shifts our focus from loss to abundance (Proverbs 18:21).

d) Surrounding Ourselves with Faith: Being in fellowship with believers strengthens our faith (Hebrews 10:25).

Biblical Example:
The woman with the issue of blood exemplified great faith, believing that touching Jesus’ garment would bring her healing (Mark 5:34).

5. CELEBRATING VICTORY OVER LOSSES
Once we experience restoration, it is essential to celebrate and testify about God's goodness.

a) Giving Thanks: A heart of gratitude keeps us grounded and aware of God’s blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

b) Sharing Testimonies: Sharing our stories of restoration encourages others and glorifies God (Revelation 12:11).

c) Building a Legacy: Our victories can inspire future generations to trust God (Psalm 145:4).

d) Living in Abundance: Embracing God’s restoration means living fully in His abundance (John 10:10).

Biblical Example:
David danced before the Lord in celebration after the Ark of the Covenant was brought back to Jerusalem, signifying the restoration of God's presence (2 Samuel 6:12-15).

CONCLUSION:
No more losses! God promises restoration, healing, and abundance. By understanding the sources of our losses, embracing His promises, activating restoration through repentance and prayer, exercising faith, and celebrating our victories, we can live a life free from the weight of past losses. God is calling you to experience His restoration today.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I thank You for the promise of restoration in my life.

2. Father, help me identify any poor decisions that led to my losses.

3. Lord, I repent for any actions that have caused losses in my life.

4. Father, I ask for Your divine intervention in every area of loss.

5. Lord, help me to trust in Your perfect timing for my restoration.

6. Father, I declare victory over every loss I have experienced.

7. Lord, I receive Your unmerited grace for my restoration.

8. Father, fill me with faith to believe in Your promises.

9. Lord, help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude for Your blessings.

10. Father, may my testimony of restoration inspire others.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that losses in your life are being turned into testimonies of victory.

2. God will restore to you what has been taken from you in the past.

3. I decree that you will walk in abundance and not lack any good thing.

4. You will experience divine intervention that leads to restoration.

5. I declare that your faith will bring about miraculous restoration.

6. God will transform your losses into stepping stones for greater blessings.

7. I decree that you will share your testimony of restoration to encourage others.

8. You will not dwell on past losses but embrace the abundance of God.

9. I declare that every chain of loss is broken in your life.

10. You will experience joy and fulfilment as God restores what was lost.