STEPS TO ACTIVATE RESTORATION IN YOUR LIFE
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.” (Joel 2:25)
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 30:17, 1 Samuel 30:8, Zechariah 9:12, Isaiah 61:7, Job 42:10
INTRODUCTION:
Restoration is a vital theme in Scripture, showing us God’s ability to reverse loss, repair damage, and give back to His children more than what the enemy stole. Life often presents situations of loss—loss of time, opportunities, health, finances, relationships, or even spiritual zeal. But God, in His mercy, promises to restore what has been stolen or wasted.
The Bible gives us countless examples of people who experienced restoration after devastating losses. Whether it was Israel recovering their land, Job receiving double after his trials, or David recovering all from the Amalekites, God always proves Himself faithful to restore. But restoration is not passive—it requires positioning, action, and obedience to divine instructions.
This study will show us the key steps to activating restoration in our lives. These are not mere theories but biblical truths anchored in the promises of God. As we apply them with faith, we will experience the power of God that turns losses into testimonies.
1. REPENT AND RETURN TO GOD
Restoration begins when we realign ourselves with God. Sin, disobedience, or neglect of God often opens the door to loss, but repentance restores access to divine favour.
a) Turning away from sin (2 Chronicles 7:14): Genuine repentance removes the barriers that hinder restoration.
b) Humility before God (James 4:10): Humility attracts the mercy of God and sets the stage for restoration.
c) Returning to fellowship (Hosea 6:1-2): When we return to God, He revives and restores.
d) Seeking forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9): Confession leads to cleansing, and cleansing opens the door to restoration.
Biblical Example: The prodigal son (Luke 15:17-24) returned to his father in repentance, and he was restored with love, dignity, and inheritance.
2. SEEK DIVINE DIRECTION
Restoration often requires divine strategy. When you face loss, don’t rush, ask God for direction on how to recover.
a) Inquiring from the Lord (1 Samuel 30:8): David sought God’s counsel before pursuing the Amalekites.
b) Dependence on God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6): Trusting God’s direction leads to the right steps.
c) Obeying instructions promptly (Isaiah 1:19): Quick obedience secures quick restoration.
d) Avoiding human shortcuts (Jeremiah 17:5): Restoration is not found in human effort but in God’s guidance.
Biblical Example: David recovered all because he first sought the Lord’s instruction, and God gave him a strategy.
3. ENGAGE THE POWER OF PRAYER
Prayer is the platform that connects us with the God of restoration. It is through prayer that we enforce divine promises and wage spiritual warfare.
a) Crying out for restoration (Psalm 80:3): Prayer invokes God’s intervention.
b) Waging war against the enemy (Ephesians 6:12): Many losses are spiritually manipulated and must be confronted in prayer.
c) Standing on God’s promises (Isaiah 55:11): Praying Scripture enforces what God has already spoken.
d) Persistence in prayer (Luke 18:1): Relentless prayer breaks resistance until restoration manifests.
Biblical Example: Hannah prayed fervently, and God restored her dignity with the gift of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:10-20).
4. WALK IN FAITH AND EXPECTANCY
Restoration requires faith in God’s ability to turn things around, even when the situation looks impossible.
a) Believing in God’s power (Hebrews 11:6): Without faith, restoration cannot be activated.
b) Speaking words of faith (Mark 11:23): Confession shapes reality and aligns us with God’s plan.
c) Rejecting doubt and fear (2 Timothy 1:7): Doubt delays restoration, but faith accelerates it.
d) Acting on God’s Word (James 2:17): Faith without action cannot bring restoration.
Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34) activated her restoration by faith and bold action.
5. SOW SEEDS OF OBEDIENCE AND GENEROSITY
Restoration is often tied to obedience and sacrificial giving. God honours those who trust Him with their resources and obedience.
a) Obedience unlocks restoration (Deuteronomy 28:1-2): Obedience brings blessings.
b) Sacrificial giving opens doors (Luke 6:38): Giving releases the law of divine exchange.
c) Restitution restores relationships (Luke 19:8-9): Zacchaeus made restitution and was restored.
d) Service to God attracts restoration (Exodus 23:25-26): Serving the Lord comes with restoration promises.
Biblical Example: Job’s restoration began after he obeyed God and prayed for his friends (Job 42:10).
6. MAINTAIN THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE
Thanksgiving and praise position us for restoration by acknowledging God as the source of recovery.
a) Gratitude opens heaven (Psalm 100:4): Thankful hearts access God’s presence.
b) Praise confuses the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:22): Praise brings supernatural victory.
c) Thanksgiving attracts multiplication (John 6:11): Jesus gave thanks, and little became much.
d) A joyful spirit sustains restoration (Isaiah 61:3): Joy is a weapon that preserves restoration.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas praised God in prison, and their freedom and restoration came instantly (Acts 16:25-26).
CONCLUSION:
Restoration is not automatic; it is a divine promise that must be activated through repentance, prayer, faith, obedience, and thanksgiving. Whatever area of your life has suffered loss, you can take these steps and see God move in supernatural ways.
God is not only able to restore what you lost, but He can also give you more than you had before. If you position yourself rightly, your latter end shall be greater than your beginning, and your testimony shall be a song of restoration.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You because You are the God of restoration.
2. Father, forgive me for any disobedience that has opened the door to losses in my life.
3. O Lord, restore to me every year, opportunity, and blessing that the enemy has stolen.
4. Father, give me divine direction for total recovery in every area of my life.
5. By the blood of Jesus, I silence every power contending against my restoration.
6. Lord, increase my faith to believe and expect total restoration.
7. I break the spirit of delay and hindrance standing against my restoration.
8. Lord, let my obedience and giving provoke supernatural restoration.
9. Father, let my mouth be filled with thanksgiving and my life with songs of restoration.
10. O Lord, make me a living testimony of divine restoration in this season.
