God Will Restore Your Lost Seasons Series

GOD WILL RESTORE YOUR LOST SEASONS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 8:1-6

Supporting Texts: Joel 2:25-27; Psalm 126:1-6; Isaiah 61:7; Job 42:10; Zechariah 9:12

INTRODUCTION:

This remarkable passage revisits the Shunammite woman—an earlier beneficiary of Elisha’s ministry whose dead son had been miraculously brought back to life. Now, at the instruction of the prophet, she had left her land and home to dwell in the land of the Philistines during a seven-year famine. Upon her return, she found her property taken and was left without access to what rightfully belonged to her.

Yet, in a divine orchestration, the king was being told her story at the exact moment she arrived to make her appeal. Through the testimony of Gehazi and the sovereign timing of God, not only was her land restored, but all the income from the seven years was also paid back in full. This passage reminds us that when God speaks, obeying His voice positions us for supernatural restoration—even after long seasons of apparent loss.

1. GOD SPEAKS AHEAD OF DISASTER TO PRESERVE HIS OWN

The prophet warned the woman before the famine began.

a) God reveals things to those who walk closely with Him

“Elisha had spoken unto the woman… saying, Arise, and go…” (2 Kings 8:1)

b) Divine guidance can prevent unnecessary suffering

God still leads His children out of danger through prophetic instruction.

c) Spiritual sensitivity is key to survival in seasons of adversity

Her obedience ensured she didn’t suffer with the rest of the land.

d) Prophetic voices are sent to preserve destinies

God honours the words of His servants when people act in faith.

Biblical Example: Joseph preserved Egypt and his family by preparing ahead of famine (Genesis 41:28-36).

2. OBEDIENCE TODAY POSITIONS YOU FOR RESTORATION TOMORROW

She obeyed immediately and stayed in Philistine territory.

a) Delayed obedience may lead to avoidable loss

She moved “according to the saying of the man of God” (v.2).

b) Leaving comfort zones can be difficult but rewarding

She left her home and livelihood for seven years.

c) God’s instructions are sometimes inconvenient, but never without purpose

Obedience now may be the seed for recovery later.

d) What looks like loss in the moment may be a setup for gain

God does not forget those who obey His voice.

Biblical Example: Abraham left his country in obedience and entered a covenant of blessing (Genesis 12:1-4).

3. GOD ARRANGES DIVINE TIMING TO DEFEND YOUR CASE

She arrived just as the king was hearing her story.

a) Divine providence coordinates time, people, and events

She came in “as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored a dead body to life” (v.5).

b) No coincidence exists in God’s plan—there is divine timing

Her steps were ordered into the king’s presence at the perfect moment.

c) God prepares the hearts of men before you even make your request

The king was already hearing her testimony before she spoke.

d) When your time of favour comes, heaven aligns your steps accordingly

She didn’t need to beg—the story had already opened the door.

Biblical Example: Esther appeared before the king when the book of records was opened (Esther 6:1-10).

4. TESTIMONY IS A KEY TO DIVINE INTERVENTION

Gehazi’s testimony opened the king’s heart to restore her land.

a) God can use your past miracle to unlock your future breakthrough

Gehazi testified about her son’s resurrection (v.5).

b) Testimonies are powerful tools in spiritual and legal battles

What God has done before reminds others of His power and justice.

c) A living testimony validates your right to restoration

She and her son were standing right there as evidence.

d) When God writes your story, He ensures it is heard by the right people

The king responded favourably because he heard what God had done.

Biblical Example: Jesus told the man delivered from demons to testify, and it opened doors (Mark 5:19-20).

5. GOD DOES NOT JUST RESTORE—HE MULTIPLIES

She received all her land and the income from seven years.

a) Divine restoration includes what was lost and what should have been gained

The king appointed an officer to ensure “all the fruits of the field since the day she left” were returned (v.6).

b) God is not a partial Restorer—He pays in full

Every year of famine was compensated.

c) Obedience and honour for prophetic instruction unlock full reward

Because she moved when God spoke, nothing was ultimately lost.

d) With God, no season of obedience is ever wasted

Even silent, unseen sacrifices are rewarded openly.

Biblical Example: Job received double for all his previous losses (Job 42:10-12).

CONCLUSION:

The Shunammite woman’s story is a testimony that obedience secures preservation and restoration. Even when we experience temporary loss for following God, He ensures nothing is ultimately lost. God orders divine encounters, releases favour, and pays back lost years with interest. The same God who warned her before the famine went ahead of her to fight for her restoration.