AND THE LORD RESTORED WHAT I LOST

Title: AND THE LORD RESTORED WHAT I LOST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joel 2:25-26
Supporting Texts: Psalm 51:12, Isaiah 61:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Luke 15:24

INTRODUCTION:
Loss is a painful part of life, whether it be relationships, opportunities, or even joy. However, God's promise of restoration assures us that He can restore what has been lost. This sermon will explore how the Lord restores and brings back what we thought was gone forever.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF RESTORATION

a) God's Nature as a Restorer
The Bible reveals that God desires to restore us, highlighting His nature (Joel 2:25).

b) The Importance of Restoration
Restoration is not just about returning what was lost; it is about healing and wholeness (Psalm 51:12).

c) A New Beginning
God offers new beginnings, turning our losses into opportunities for growth (2 Corinthians 5:17).

d) Hope in the Midst of Loss
Even when we experience loss, we can have hope that God will intervene (Romans 15:13).

Biblical Example: Job's Restoration – Job lost everything, but God restored him doubly for his faithfulness (Job 42:10-17).

2. RECOGNISING WHAT WAS LOST

a) Identifying Areas of Loss
It is crucial to identify what we have lost so that we can bring it to God (Psalm 38:18).

b) Understanding the Impact of Loss
Loss affects us emotionally, spiritually, and physically, and we must acknowledge this (Lamentations 3:19-20).

c) Bringing Our Losses to God
We should present our losses to God in prayer, seeking His guidance and healing (Philippians 4:6-7).

d) Avoiding Bitterness
Holding on to bitterness over loss can hinder our healing and restoration (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Biblical Example: David and His Family – When David lost his family and possessions, he sought God’s direction (1 Samuel 30:1-8).

3. THE PROCESS OF RESTORATION

a) God's Timing
Restoration often takes time, and we must learn to wait on the Lord (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

b) Active Participation
Restoration requires our involvement through faith and obedience (James 2:26).

c) Healing of the Heart
Emotional and spiritual healing is a vital part of restoration (Isaiah 61:1-3).

d) The Role of Community
God uses the body of Christ to support us during our restoration process (Galatians 6:2).

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son – His return home marked a powerful restoration by the father (Luke 15:20-24).

4. EMBRACING GOD'S RESTORATION

a) Receiving His Grace
Accepting God’s grace is essential for embracing restoration (Ephesians 2:8-9).

b) Walking in Newness of Life
We must choose to live in the reality of our restoration (Romans 6:4).

c) Letting Go of the Past
We need to release the past to fully embrace God’s restoration (Philippians 3:13-14).

d) Testifying of His Goodness
Sharing our restoration story can inspire others and glorify God (Revelation 12:11).

Biblical Example: Naomi and Ruth – Naomi experienced restoration through Ruth and ultimately gained a new legacy (Ruth 4:13-17).

5. DECLARING RESTORATION OVER OUR LIVES

a) Speaking Life
We must declare God’s promises of restoration over our situations (Proverbs 18:21).

b) Praying with Expectation
Our prayers should reflect our faith in God’s ability to restore (Mark 11:24).

c) Affirming Our Identity in Christ
We are new creations, and our identity should reflect our restored status (2 Corinthians 5:17).

d) Living in Joy and Gratitude
Restoration should result in a life marked by joy and gratitude (Psalm 126:3).

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus – After encountering Jesus, he experienced restoration in his life and relationships (Luke 19:9-10).

CONCLUSION:
The Lord is eager to restore what we have lost, bringing healing and new life. Let us trust in His promises and actively participate in the process of restoration.

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

2. Help me to identify what I have lost and bring it to You.

3. I declare that every lost opportunity is being restored.

4. Heal my heart from the pain of loss.

5. Guide me through the process of restoration.

6. I will not hold on to bitterness over past losses.

7. Surround me with supportive community during my healing.

8. I choose to walk in the newness of life You provide.

9. May my testimony inspire others to seek Your restoration.

10. I trust that You will complete the work of restoration in my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. The Lord is restoring what you thought was lost forever.

2. You will experience healing in every area of your life.

3. Every past hurt is being healed and transformed into a testimony.

4. New opportunities are arising for you in Jesus’ name.

5. You will walk in joy and gratitude for God’s restoration.

6. Your identity as a restored child of God will shine brightly.

7. You will share your story of restoration to encourage others.

8. God’s timing for your restoration is perfect.

9. You will embrace the new life God is calling you to.

10. Restoration is your portion, and it will manifest in abundance.