FROM SETBACK TO SPEEDY COMEBACK
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: Isaiah 60:22, Zechariah 9:12, Philippians 3:13-14, Jeremiah 29:11
INTRODUCTION:
Every person faces setbacks in life—moments when things don’t go as planned, dreams are shattered, or opportunities are lost. Setbacks can occur in various forms: financial difficulties, health crises, career failures, or emotional challenges. However, the good news is that God specializes in turning setbacks into comebacks. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who experienced major setbacks but were divinely restored and propelled to greater heights. The key is understanding that with God, a setback is not the end, but a set-up for a mighty comeback.
When God promises restoration, He does not just restore what was lost, but He brings about a supernatural turnaround. In Joel 2:25-26, God promises to restore the years that have been lost to the locusts, symbolizing the things that have robbed us of time, joy, or progress. This restoration is not just about going back to where we were, but it is about moving forward at a much faster pace, accelerating beyond what we could have imagined. This is the nature of God's supernatural comeback plan for our lives.
Today, we will explore how to move from setback to a speedy comeback. The power of God’s restoration and His ability to accelerate your life can turn your past disappointments into testimonies of His goodness. No matter how dire the situation or how deep the setback, God has the power to bring you back with greater strength, joy, and favor. This is your season for divine recovery and supernatural acceleration.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE SEASON OF SETBACKS
Setbacks are often a part of the human experience, but they are not permanent.
a) Setbacks Are Temporary
No matter how severe a setback may seem, it is temporary and cannot define your destiny (Romans 8:28).
b) Setbacks Are Not God's Final Word
God’s plan for your life is always forward-moving, even when setbacks seem to pull you back (Jeremiah 29:11).
c) Divine Lessons in Setbacks
Setbacks teach us perseverance, patience, and trust in God’s timing (James 1:2-4).
d) Setbacks Reveal Our Strength in God
In our setbacks, we discover the depth of God’s strength that carries us through (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Biblical Example: Joseph's setback in prison was the prelude to his elevation to power in Egypt (Genesis 41:46).
2. GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION
God promises to restore everything that has been lost or broken.
a) Divine Restoration Is Guaranteed
God’s word assures us of His restoration in every area of life (Joel 2:25).
b) Restoration Goes Beyond What Was Lost
God doesn’t just bring back what we lost; He gives us more than we had before (Zechariah 9:12).
c) Restoration Brings Fullness
God restores us to a place of abundance, joy, and fulfillment (John 10:10).
d) Restoration Through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit brings the power of restoration into our lives (Romans 8:11).
Biblical Example: The prodigal son’s return was marked by complete restoration, with more blessings than he ever had before (Luke 15:22-24).
3. THE POWER OF SPEEDY COMEBACK
God has the power to accelerate your recovery and bring you back at supernatural speed.
a) Supernatural Speed in Restoration
God doesn’t just restore slowly; He accelerates the process for divine recovery (Isaiah 60:22).
b) Divine Speed to Overtake the Years
God can restore lost time and even make up for years of delay (Psalm 126:1-6).
c) Divine Acceleration in Your Destiny
God speeds up the fulfillment of His promises in your life (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
d) Restoration with Increase
When God restores, He doesn’t just bring back what was lost; He adds increase to your life (Matthew 6:33).
Biblical Example: David’s swift comeback after the loss of his family at Ziklag, when God gave him the strength to pursue and recover all (1 Samuel 30:8-19).
4. ACTIVATING THE COMEBACK PROMISE THROUGH FAITH
Faith is key to accessing your speedy comeback from God.
a) Faith Moves God’s Hand
When we believe in God’s promises, He responds with divine action on our behalf (Hebrews 11:6).
b) Faith Speeds Up Your Recovery
Our faith accelerates the timing of God’s restoration in our lives (Mark 11:24).
c) Faith Enables Us to Claim God’s Promises
Faith empowers us to take hold of the promises of restoration and speed (2 Corinthians 1:20).
d) Faith Keeps Us Going in the Midst of Setbacks
Even in setbacks, faith assures us that God is working behind the scenes (Romans 4:20-21).
Biblical Example: The faith of the woman with the issue of blood brought her immediate healing and restoration (Mark 5:34).
5. MOVING FROM SETBACK TO SPEEDY COMEBACK THROUGH OBEDIENCE
Obedience to God’s will is a powerful catalyst for experiencing a divine turnaround.
a) Obedience Opens the Door for Restoration
Obeying God’s instructions accelerates His restoration in our lives (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
b) Obedience Brings the Blessing
Blessings and restoration are tied to our willingness to follow God’s commands (Malachi 3:10).
c) Obedience Brings Divine Strategy
Obedience unlocks divine strategies for restoration and acceleration (2 Kings 7:3-7).
d) Obedience Creates a Path for Supernatural Recovery
God leads those who obey into the paths of victory and restoration (Psalm 23:3).
Biblical Example: Abraham’s obedience led to the restoration of his promise and the fulfillment of his destiny (Genesis 22:17-18).
CONCLUSION:
God is in the business of turning setbacks into comebacks. No matter how long or deep the setback may have been, God's plan for your life is far greater than any moment of disappointment or loss. His promise of restoration is not just about bringing you back to where you were, but about propelling you to new heights, accelerating your progress, and releasing His blessings upon you in greater measure.
As you trust in God's ability to restore and accelerate your life, expect a speedy comeback. With faith, obedience, and a heart set on God’s purposes, your recovery will be beyond what you could imagine. The years that have been lost will be restored, and you will move forward at divine speed. This is your season for a supernatural comeback!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, restore all that the enemy has stolen from me and bring me to a place of greater glory.
2. I declare a speedy restoration of my finances, health, and destiny, in Jesus’ name.
3. Every delay in my life is broken today, and I receive divine acceleration for my destiny.
4. Father, empower me to walk in obedience to Your will so that I can experience a supernatural comeback.
5. I declare that my setbacks are turning into stepping stones for my promotion and advancement.
