POSITION YOURSELF FOR RESTORATION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joel 2:25-26
Key Verse: “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. 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.” (Joel 2:25-26)
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 30:17; Psalm 126:1-3; 1 Samuel 30:8; Isaiah 61:7; Job 42:10
Description:
INTRODUCTION:
Restoration is one of the beautiful promises of God to His children. Life’s journey sometimes brings losses – in health, finances, relationships, opportunities, or time – but the Lord assures us that nothing lost is beyond His power to recover. Joel 2 reveals a God who restores wasted years and turns shame into satisfaction.
However, restoration does not happen by chance. God restores when His people respond to His call with faith, obedience, and alignment with His Word. To be restored is not only to regain what was lost but also to enjoy divine compensation that brings you to a better state than before.
Therefore, positioning yourself for restoration requires spiritual sensitivity, deliberate action, and total dependence on God. Just as David enquired of the Lord before pursuing the Amalekites, we too must posture ourselves rightly if we are to see the fullness of divine restoration.
1. POSITION YOURSELF THROUGH REPENTANCE AND RETURN TO GOD
Restoration begins with reconciling with God, because sin and disobedience often open the door for loss.
a) Repentance restores relationship (Isaiah 55:7)
God promises mercy and abundant pardon to those who return to Him. Restoration starts when fellowship with God is re-established.
b) Confession brings cleansing (1 John 1:9)
When we confess, God forgives and cleanses, removing barriers that hinder restoration.
c) Turning from disobedience (Hosea 14:1-2)
Israel was called to return with words of repentance so that restoration could flow.
d) Restoration follows humility (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Humility in prayer invites God’s healing and restoration upon His people.
Biblical Example: The prodigal son repented and returned to his father, and immediately restoration of dignity, position, and provision followed (Luke 15:17-24).
2. POSITION YOURSELF THROUGH PRAYER AND ENQUIRY
Prayer is the key to divine direction and restoration.
a) Prayer births recovery (1 Samuel 30:8)
David enquired of the Lord before pursuing, and God gave him assurance of total recovery.
b) Fervent prayer moves God’s hand (James 5:16)
The heartfelt prayer of the righteous releases divine intervention.
c) Prayer unlocks hidden strategies (Jeremiah 33:3)
God reveals divine secrets that lead to restoration when we call upon Him.
d) Neglect of prayer leads to prolonged captivity (Zechariah 10:1)
Without prayer, blessings may be withheld, but asking releases restoration.
Biblical Example: Hannah prayed earnestly in Shiloh, and God restored her honour by giving her Samuel (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
3. POSITION YOURSELF THROUGH FAITH AND EXPECTATION
Faith is the hand that receives what God has promised.
a) Believe in God’s promise (Mark 9:23)
All things are possible to those who believe; restoration requires unwavering faith.
b) Expectation attracts manifestation (Proverbs 23:18)
Restoration comes to those who look forward to it with hope in God.
c) Doubt hinders restoration (James 1:6-7)
Those who waver cannot receive from the Lord; steadfast faith is essential.
d) Faith confesses restoration before it happens (Romans 4:17)
Like Abraham, we call forth restoration even when it seems impossible.
Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood believed and expected her healing, and her faith positioned her for restoration (Mark 5:25-34).
4. POSITION YOURSELF THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND ACTION
Restoration flows when we align with divine instructions.
a) Obedience releases blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
God’s blessings follow those who diligently obey His voice.
b) Prompt action secures restoration (Exodus 14:15-16)
Israel’s obedience to move forward at God’s command led to deliverance.
c) Obedience often requires sacrifice (Genesis 22:16-18)
Abraham’s obedience brought generational blessings and restoration.
d) Refusal to act delays restoration (Jonah 1:3-4)
Disobedience leads to storms, but submission restores peace.
Biblical Example: Naaman received healing and restoration of health when he obeyed the prophetic instruction to dip in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10-14).
5. POSITION YOURSELF THROUGH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
Praise creates the atmosphere for restoration and breakthrough.
a) Praise provokes God’s intervention (Psalm 22:3)
God dwells in the praises of His people, and His presence brings restoration.
b) Thanksgiving turns captivity (Psalm 126:1-3)
When God restores, joy and songs of praise overflow.
c) Praise is a weapon of warfare (2 Chronicles 20:22)
Jehoshaphat’s army saw restoration of victory through praise.
d) Praise reveals faith in God’s ability (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
Praising God in difficult times positions us for restoration.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises in prison, and God intervened, restoring their freedom (Acts 16:25-26).
6. POSITION YOURSELF THROUGH PERSEVERANCE AND HOPE
Restoration may not always be immediate, but persistence guarantees results.
a) Endurance brings fulfilment (Hebrews 10:36)
Patience ensures we receive the promise of restoration.
b) Hope anchors the soul (Hebrews 6:19)
Hope keeps us steadfast, believing restoration will come.
c) Perseverance overcomes delays (Galatians 6:9)
Those who do not faint will reap in due season.
d) God’s timing is perfect (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Restoration comes at the appointed time, not too early or late.
Biblical Example: Job endured his trials with faith, and God restored him with double of all he lost (Job 42:10).
CONCLUSION:
Restoration is God’s promise, but our positioning determines how much we receive. By repentance, prayer, faith, obedience, praise, and perseverance, we align ourselves to experience God’s supernatural restoration in every area of life.
Beloved, no matter the years wasted, opportunities missed, or blessings stolen, God is able to restore you beyond your imagination. Take your position in Him today and watch Him turn your captivity into testimony.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, restore the wasted years of my life by Your mercy.
2. Father, let every stolen blessing be recovered in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, empower me to position myself rightly for restoration.
4. Father, open the heavens over my life for total recovery.
5. Lord, restore my health, strength, and vitality.
6. Father, let every financial loss be turned into abundance.
7. Lord, restore broken relationships and lost opportunities.
8. Father, let my captivity be turned into joy and laughter.
9. Lord, give me double honour for every past shame.
10. Father, let restoration flow in my family, ministry, and destiny.
