EMPOWERED FOR RECOVERY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joel 2:25
"And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you."
Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 30:1-8; Isaiah 61:7; Jeremiah 30:17; Zechariah 9:12; Psalm 126:1-6
INTRODUCTION:
Life is filled with seasons, and at times we find ourselves in moments of great loss — be it in time, health, relationships, opportunities, or spiritual standing. However, the God we serve is not only a Saviour but also a Restorer. He specialises in turning ashes into beauty and causing dry bones to live again. Recovery is not only possible, it is God’s promise to His people.
Being empowered for recovery means receiving divine strength, wisdom, and favour to reclaim what has been lost or stolen. It is a spiritual process that requires faith, alignment with God’s Word, and obedience to divine instructions. Just like David, who inquired of the Lord and pursued, we must be ready to act in obedience to God’s leading.
The good news is that no loss is beyond God's power to restore. Whether it is lost years, missed opportunities, broken relationships, or spiritual decline, God can empower you to recover all and even more. This teaching focuses on how to access that empowerment and experience total restoration.
1. RECOGNISE THAT GOD IS A GOD OF RESTORATION
Understanding God's nature fuels our faith for recovery.
a) God Restores What Was Lost.
He is the only One who can make up for wasted years (Joel 2:25).
b) His Mercy Overrides Our Mistakes.
Even when we are at fault, His love still offers recovery (Lamentations 3:22-23).
c) Restoration Is a Covenant Promise.
He delights in restoring His people (Jeremiah 30:17).
d) God Does Not Just Restore; He Multiplies.
He gives double for shame (Isaiah 61:7).
Biblical Example: Job lost everything, but God restored double (Job 42:10).
2. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND SEEK DIVINE DIRECTION
Recovery requires alignment and partnership with God.
a) Acknowledge the Loss.
Be honest about what has been stolen or broken (1 John 1:9).
b) Ask God for the Next Step.
Divine instruction is key to full recovery (1 Samuel 30:8).
c) Let Go of Bitterness and Blame.
Unforgiveness hinders progress (Hebrews 12:15).
d) Be Willing to Obey Immediately.
Delay can lead to deeper losses (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Biblical Example: David inquired of the Lord before pursuing the Amalekites (1 Samuel 30:8).
3. ENGAGE SPIRITUAL WARFARE TO RECOVER WHAT WAS STOLEN
Some recoveries require contending in prayer and faith.
a) The Enemy Comes to Steal.
Spiritual theft is real and must be resisted (John 10:10).
b) Prayer Is a Weapon of Recovery.
Violent prayers bring back stolen blessings (Matthew 11:12).
c) The Blood of Jesus Secures Restoration.
It speaks better things and cancels every loss (Hebrews 12:24).
d) Authority Must Be Exercised.
Use your dominion in Christ to claim back what’s yours (Luke 10:19).
Biblical Example: Gideon tore down the altars of Baal before experiencing victory (Judges 6:25-32).
4. POSITION YOURSELF FOR SUPERNATURAL RESTORATION
God often uses unexpected ways and people to bring recovery.
a) Stay in the Place of Obedience.
Restoration is for those aligned with God’s will (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
b) Be Expectant and Watchful.
God can use any channel to restore you (2 Kings 7:1-2).
c) Forgive and Rebuild Relationships.
Sometimes restoration begins with reconciliation (Genesis 45:4-8)
d) Sow Again in Faith.
Restoration often comes with a fresh season of sowing (Psalm 126:5-6).
Biblical Example: Ruth positioned herself with Naomi and stepped into divine favour (Ruth 2:2-12).
5. TESTIFY AND WALK IN GRATITUDE AFTER RESTORATION
Gratitude sustains recovery and attracts more blessings.
a) Share What the Lord Has Done.
Testimonies glorify God and inspire others (Psalm 105:1-2).
b) Build Altars of Remembrance.
Mark your recovery with honour to God (Genesis 35:3).
c) Commit to a Lifestyle of Thanksgiving.
Gratitude keeps the door of blessings open (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
d) Be a Blessing to Others.
Use your restored life to uplift others (2 Corinthians 1:4).
Biblical Example: The ten lepers were healed, but only one returned with thanksgiving and was made whole (Luke 17:11-19).
CONCLUSION:
No matter how great the loss or how long the damage has lasted, God is able to empower you for recovery. He has promised to restore the wasted years, and He is faithful to do so. The key lies in recognising His power, seeking His direction, engaging in spiritual warfare, positioning yourself rightly, and walking in gratitude.
Today, receive fresh strength and divine help to recover all. Like David, pursue, overtake, and recover all. You are not meant to end in loss; God has empowered you for complete recovery and divine compensation.
PRAYER POINTS:
1 Father, empower me to recover all that I have lost.
2 Lord, give me divine direction for total restoration.
3 I come against every power working against my recovery.
4 Restore to me the years that the enemy has stolen.
5 Let my life become a testimony of divine recovery.
