TYPES OF RESTORATION IN THE BIBLE
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: Job 42:10; Jeremiah 30:17; Isaiah 61:7; Zechariah 9:12; Psalm 126:1-3
INTRODUCTION:
The Bible presents restoration as a central theme in God’s dealings with His people. Life is full of battles and challenges that often result in loss—whether of health, opportunities, peace, or even years. Yet, the God we serve is a God who restores. His nature is not only to recover what has been stolen or wasted but to add more so that the latter state is greater than the former.
Restoration in Scripture takes many forms: physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, relational, and even national. Each type of restoration reveals a dimension of God’s power and mercy, showing us that there is no area of life too damaged for God to repair and renew.
In this study, we will explore the different types of restoration in the Bible, understanding how God intervened in the lives of His people in times past, and how He is still able to bring the same restoration to us today.
1. RESTORATION OF LOST YEARS
The years wasted through sin, ignorance, oppression, or demonic attack can be restored by God.
a) Wasted years recovered (Joel 2:25)
God promises to restore the years devoured by the locust, symbolising lost opportunities and wasted seasons.
b) God redeems time (Ephesians 5:16)
Through divine favour, God makes up for years lost in delay or stagnation.
c) Restoration of purpose (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s plan for His children is never lost; He restores destiny even when time seems wasted.
d) Accelerated progress (Amos 9:13)
God shortens processes and grants speed that recovers lost ground quickly.
Biblical Example: Israel spent 40 wasted years in the wilderness, but God still brought them into Canaan, their promised inheritance (Joshua 21:43-45).
2. RESTORATION OF HEALTH
Sickness and affliction are tools of the enemy, but God restores health and wholeness.
a) Healing from affliction (Jeremiah 30:17)
God promises to restore health and heal wounds.
b) Divine exchange (Isaiah 53:5)
By Christ’s stripes, believers are restored to sound health.
c) Restoration of strength (Psalm 103:5)
God renews youth like the eagle, bringing vitality to weary bodies.
d) Deliverance from infirmity (Mark 5:34)
Faith in Christ positions us for restoration of health.
Biblical Example: Naaman was restored from leprosy to perfect health after obeying the prophet’s instruction (2 Kings 5:14).
3. RESTORATION OF JOY AND PEACE
Life’s trials often steal joy and peace, but God restores inner wholeness.
a) Joy after captivity (Psalm 126:1-2)
When God restored Zion, their mouths were filled with laughter.
b) Peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7)
God restores peace that shields the heart in troubled times.
c) Comfort after mourning (Isaiah 61:3)
God exchanges ashes for beauty and mourning for gladness.
d) Joy in salvation (Psalm 51:12)
The joy of salvation is restored when one returns to God.
Biblical Example: Sarah laughed for joy when God restored her hope and gave her Isaac after years of barrenness (Genesis 21:6).
4. RESTORATION OF RELATIONSHIPS
God heals broken families, marriages, and friendships.
a) Restoration of family ties (Malachi 4:6)
God turns the hearts of fathers to children and children to fathers.
b) Healing of marriages (Ephesians 5:25)
Christ-like love restores broken marital bonds.
c) Forgiveness reconciles relationships (Colossians 3:13)
God restores through the power of forgiveness.
d) Unity among brethren (Psalm 133:1-3)
God commands blessing where unity is restored.
Biblical Example: Joseph was reconciled with his brothers in Egypt, restoring family unity after years of betrayal (Genesis 45:4-15).
5. RESTORATION OF FINANCES AND POSSESSIONS
God is able to restore what the enemy has stolen materially.
a) Wealth recovery (Deuteronomy 8:18)
God gives power to get wealth and restore what was lost.
b) The thief must repay (Proverbs 6:31)
When the enemy steals, he must repay sevenfold.
c) Restoration through divine favour (Psalm 90:17)
God restores prosperity through His blessing upon the work of our hands.
d) Divine supply (Philippians 4:19)
God restores provision according to His riches in glory.
Biblical Example: Job lost his wealth, but God restored him with double of all his possessions (Job 42:10-12).
6. RESTORATION OF SPIRITUAL FIRE AND PURPOSE
Sometimes believers lose passion and direction, but God restores them to spiritual vitality.
a) Revival of first love (Revelation 2:4-5)
God calls His children to return to their first love and zeal.
b) Restoration of ministry gifts (2 Timothy 1:6)
The fire of God is rekindled in believers for effective service.
c) Restoration of divine purpose (Romans 11:29)
God’s calling and gifts are irrevocable, and He restores those who turn back to Him.
d) Fresh anointing (Psalm 92:10)
God restores and increases the anointing for greater exploits.
Biblical Example: Peter denied Jesus, but after restoration, he became a fiery apostle on the day of Pentecost (John 21:15-17; Acts 2:14-41).
CONCLUSION:
Restoration is God’s will for His children in every area of life. Whether years have been wasted, health broken, joy stolen, relationships shattered, finances lost, or spiritual zeal diminished, the Lord is able to restore in abundance.
Beloved, no matter what you have lost, God is still the Restorer. Position yourself in faith, prayer, and obedience, and you will surely see Him turn your captivity into testimony.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, restore to me every wasted year of my life.
2. Father, heal me and restore my health fully.
3. Lord, restore my joy and peace in every area of my life.
4. Father, restore broken relationships in my family.
5. Lord, restore my finances and possessions that the enemy has stolen.
6. Father, restore my spiritual fire and passion for You.
7. Lord, turn my mourning into dancing and my sorrow into joy.
8. Father, let there be total restoration in my destiny.
9. Lord, restore double honour for every shame I have endured.
10. Father, let the testimony of complete restoration be my portion.
