DIVINE RESTORATION

Title: DIVINE RESTORATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joel 2:25-26
"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed."

Supporting Texts: Psalm 51:12; Isaiah 61:7; Jeremiah 30:17; Job 42:10; 2 Kings 8:5-6

INTRODUCTION:
Divine restoration is the act of God bringing back to His people what has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. It is a demonstration of His mercy and power to turn around situations and restore His glory in the lives of His children. This message explores the principles, examples, and manifestations of divine restoration.

1. THE MEANING OF DIVINE RESTORATION

Divine restoration encompasses more than material possessions; it includes spiritual, emotional, and relational healing.

a) Recovery of Lost Years:
God restores wasted time and unfulfilled opportunities (Joel 2:25).

b) Restoration of Peace:
God restores inner peace and calmness (Philippians 4:7).

c) Reversal of Negative Circumstances:
God changes adverse situations for good (Isaiah 61:7).

d) Rebuilding of Relationships:
Broken relationships are mended by divine intervention (Genesis 45:3-5).

e) Manifestation of God’s Glory:
Restoration glorifies God in the lives of His people (John 11:40).

Biblical Example:
Job’s losses were restored in double measure after his trial (Job 42:10-12).

2. CONDITIONS FOR DIVINE RESTORATION

Restoration is contingent on aligning with God’s will and His promises.

a) Repentance and Confession:
Sin must be acknowledged and forsaken (Psalm 51:12).

b) Faith in God’s Power:
Trust in God’s ability to restore all things (Mark 9:23).

c) Persistent Prayer:
Seek God through fervent and consistent prayer (Jeremiah 33:3).

d) Obedience to Divine Instructions:
Restoration often requires acting in obedience (2 Kings 5:14).

e) Gratitude and Praise:
A thankful heart invites restoration (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Biblical Example:
The prodigal son’s repentance and return to his father led to restoration (Luke 15:18-24).

3. BENEFITS OF DIVINE RESTORATION

When God restores, the results are evident and transformative.

a) Abundance:
God restores more than what was lost (Joel 2:26).

b) Honour:
Shame is replaced with glory (Isaiah 61:7).

c) Renewed Strength:
Restoration brings physical and spiritual strength (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Testimonies:
Restoration turns sorrow into joy and testimonies (Psalm 126:1-3).

e) Victory over the Enemy:
God’s restoration shames the enemy’s plans (Genesis 50:20).

Biblical Example:
David recovered all that the Amalekites had stolen, and nothing was missing (1 Samuel 30:18-19).

4. OBSTACLES TO DIVINE RESTORATION

Certain attitudes and behaviours hinder restoration.

a) Unrepentant Sin:
Restoration cannot occur without genuine repentance (Isaiah 59:2).

b) Lack of Faith:
Doubt and unbelief block God’s intervention (James 1:6-8).

c) Impatience:
Rushing ahead of God’s timing leads to errors (Genesis 16:1-4).

d) Negative Confessions:
Speaking words of doubt and fear hinders restoration (Proverbs 18:21).

e) Failure to Seek God:
Restoration requires an intentional pursuit of God (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Biblical Example:
The Israelites’ rebellion in the wilderness delayed their restoration and entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33-34).

CONCLUSION:
Divine restoration is God’s way of showing His mercy and reaffirming His covenant with His people. No matter what has been lost or stolen, God can restore it in greater measure. Trust in His promises, obey His instructions, and praise Him even in the face of adversity. Your season of restoration is here!

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for being the God of restoration.

2. Lord, restore every lost opportunity in my life.

3. Father, heal every broken area of my life and relationships.

4. Lord, grant me the grace to wait for Your perfect timing.

5. Father, replace my shame with double honour.

6. Lord, open the doors of divine restoration for my family.

7. Father, let my testimony glorify Your name.

8. Lord, reverse every negative situation in my life.

9. Father, strengthen my faith to trust in Your promises.

10. Lord, make my life a living example of Your restoration power.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that every lost year in your life is being restored in Jesus' name.

2. The Lord will restore your peace and joy beyond measure.

3. Every broken relationship in your life will be mended by God’s hand.

4. Your testimony of restoration will silence your adversaries.

5. From today, you will eat in plenty and be satisfied.

6. The shame of your past is replaced with double honour.

7. God’s restoration power will bring abundance into your life.

8. Every plan of the enemy to steal from you is cancelled.

9. Your strength is renewed for divine exploits.

10. You are walking into a season of total restoration and victory!