When The Lord Turns The Captivity

WHEN THE LORD TURNS THE CAPTIVITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 126:1-6

“When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad. Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Supporting Texts: Job 42:10, Jeremiah 29:11, Joel 2:25-27, Isaiah 61:7, Romans 8:28

INTRODUCTION:

There are seasons in life when it appears all hope is lost, when suffering, delay, or bondage takes hold of one's destiny. Yet, Scripture assures us that God never abandons His people. Captivity, no matter how long, is never the final chapter in God's plan for His children.

When the Lord turns captivity, He does it in a way that surprises both the captives and the observers. Just like a dream, God’s deliverance comes suddenly, powerfully, and joyfully. He replaces tears with laughter, sorrow with singing, and bondage with freedom.

This sermon is for everyone trusting God for restoration—whether in health, family, finance, purpose, or calling. God is still in the business of turning captivity, and today, He shall do it for you!

1. GOD IS A RESTORER OF LOST GLORY

a) God sees the afflictions of His people (Exodus 3:7)

God is not distant from your pain or captivity.

b) He has set a time for deliverance (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Captivity has an expiry date in God’s calendar.

c) He restores beyond what was lost (Joel 2:25)

God does not just restore—He multiplies.

d) He brings joy out of sorrow (Psalm 30:5)

After weeping comes the morning of joy.

Biblical Example: Job’s captivity was turned, and he received double (Job 42:10).

2. CAPTIVITY IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY

a) Delay is not denial (Habakkuk 2:3)

God may be silent, but He is working behind the scenes.

b) Your pain can be a preparation (Romans 8:18)

Temporary sufferings are building eternal glory.

c) God writes the final chapter (Jeremiah 29:11)

His plan is to give you hope and a future.

d) He turns things suddenly (Malachi 3:1)

Divine intervention comes like a thief in the night.

Biblical Example: Joseph moved from prison to palace in one day (Genesis 41:14-41).

3. GOD’S TURNAROUND BRINGS PUBLIC TESTIMONY

a) Outsiders will notice your breakthrough (Psalm 126:2)

Even the heathen will testify of God's hand.

b) God’s intervention provokes joy and praise (Psalm 126:2)

Restoration triggers spontaneous worship.

c) Your testimony will draw others to God (John 9:25)

People are moved when they see your transformation.

d) God glorifies Himself through your story (Isaiah 61:3)

Your deliverance becomes His name’s praise.

Biblical Example: The lame man at the Beautiful Gate became a living testimony (Acts 3:1-10).

4. SOWING IN TEARS LEADS TO REAPING IN JOY

a) Every tear is a seed before God (Psalm 56:8)

God collects every tear and rewards them.

b) Suffering is not wasted when you remain faithful (Galatians 6:9)

Keep sowing even when it’s hard.

c) Your labour is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)

God remembers every act of obedience.

d) Joy comes to those who endure (James 1:12)

Endurance produces reward and rejoicing.

Biblical Example: Hannah sowed tears and later rejoiced with Samuel (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

5. YOU MUST BELIEVE AND EXPECT YOUR TURNAROUND

a) Faith activates divine turnaround (Hebrews 11:1)

Expectation is the atmosphere of miracles.

b) Speak life, not defeat (Proverbs 18:21)

What you declare determines what you receive.

c) Stand firm on God’s promises (Isaiah 55:11)

His word cannot fail—it must accomplish its purpose.

d) Praise before the miracle (2 Chronicles 20:22)

Praise pulls your breakthrough closer.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas praised and experienced sudden deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).

CONCLUSION:

When the Lord turns your captivity, it will feel like a dream, but it will be your new reality. The sorrow of yesterday will be forgotten in the joy of your restoration. Do not give up in your waiting season. The same God who delivered Zion will deliver you.

Hold on to His promises, remain faithful in sowing, and believe with all your heart that your turnaround is here. What seems impossible with men is easy for your God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, turn again my captivity and restore all I have lost.

2. Let every tear I have sown bring forth a harvest of joy.

3. Silence every voice of delay and stagnation in my life.

4. Lord, make my life a public testimony of Your power.

5. By Your mercy, bring my long-awaited turnaround this season.