The God Of Restoration

The God of Restoration

Study Text: 1 Samuel 30: 8, 18 - 19

Introduction:

- God is not just a God of creation, but also a God of restoration, actively working to heal, renew, and bring back what has been destroyed or stolen by the enemy. John 10:10

- God is not indifferent to suffering or brokenness, but actively seeks to heal and restore.

- God's restoration often goes beyond simply returning to the original state; it can lead to a better, greater and more abundant life.

- Divine restoration entails a transformation that brings an overwhelming increase, spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially. When the Lord decides to turn the fortune of a person around, He does it in a unique way that the past shame is totally forgotten.

- Divine restoration also means God is interested in your battle and is involved in bringing back all your lost glory. Whatever God is involved in is settled, so if God gets involved in your battle, you can go to bed and sleep because the victory is already yours.

- The things you thought can never be recovered, He is restoring them back to you now in Jesus' name.

- The preceding verses indicate that David had hit rock bottom when he returned to Ziklag and found his home city burned down and everything taken away, including their families. This was by far the greatest tragedy he had encountered, after he ran from Saul as a fugitive.

- He came to the end of himself, and had to turn to God. It was the turning point in his life.

- Sometimes we question the source of evil. Is it God's judgment? Destiny? Our mistakes? Or wrong location? Just inquire of the Lord. You might have lost everything you have worked for - your investments, your job, your reputation - but God is still restoring lost resources to His people. Like David, God will strengthen you to pursue and recover all.

- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. The Description of Divine Restoration

2. The Dimensions of Divine Restoration

3. The Determinants of Divine Restoration

1. The Description of Divine Restoration:

1. Restoration is the recovery of that which is lost or stolen (1 Samuel 10:1-2)

2. Restoration is the replenishing of that which got finished or exhausted (John 2:7-10)

3. Restoration is the renovation, refurbishment or reconstruction of that which is dilapidated or destroyed (Jeremiah 31:3-4)

- The Scriptures make it clear that we serve a God Who is a Supernatural Restorer.

- There are several examples of Divine Restoration in the Bible:

1. Abraham’s wife was restored to him from Abimelech (Gen. 20:1-7, 14)

2. The wine was restored at the wedding of Cana of Galilee (John 2:1-11)

3. Job's health and wealth were restored back to him in double folds. Job 42:10-12

4. David recovered all that was taken from him and his people 1 Samuel 30:18-19

2. The Dimensions of Divine Restoration

- The Scriptures provide us with promises of Supernatural restoration (Joel 2:23-27)

- The thief that comes to steal, kill and destroy can be found, and if he is found, he must restore seven-fold what he stole. (Prov. 6:30-31; John 10:10)

- Divine Restoration can come in several ways:

1. Restoration of years (Joel 2:23-27)

2. Restoration of what was stolen (Proverbs 6:30-31; John 10:10)

3. Restoration of health (Jeremiah 30:17)

4. Restoration of relationships. For example, the prodigal son was restored to his father.

5. Restoration of glory and divine destiny. 1 Chronicles 4:9 -10

6. Restoration of Joy and lost Hope

- The widow of Nain had her joy and lost hope restored back to her.

3. The Determinants of Divine Restoration:

- It is God that brings about divine restoration, but there are certain things expected of a man before he can experience it:

1. Discover the need for restoration (1 Samuel 9:3)

- It is discovery that precedes recovery; where nothing is discovered, nothing can be recovered.

- You must discover what got missing or got damaged that needs to be restored, recovered or replaced.

2. Decide on your need of restoration.

- Until there is a decision, there can be no restoration.

- You must take a decision that you want to experience Divine Restoration.

3. Revelation in the Word (Luke 15:8)

- Light is key to the discovery of that which is lost

- You need to know what God promised and how to receive it.

4. Steps of Faith

- The revelation in the Word of God should move you to take steps in the right direction. James I:5-8

- David received a revelation and he took the steps of Faith to recover all.

Conclusion:

- God is winning! The Word of God is winning! The people of God are winning!

- Whatever is stolen or destroyed in your life can be restored by the God of Restoration.