Restoration as defined by the dictionary is bringing something back to its original position, status, state, rank, glory, etc. It also means getting back something which was once stolen or lost. Restoration in the Bible means whatever has been lost, stolen or taken away must be brought back in greater quantity, quality or kind. Under the old covenant, if a man stole money, he had to pay back seven fold. It also encompasses bringing something into God’s original purpose and intention. The Bible is a book of restoration. God Almighty is in the business of restoration. The whole essence of Jesus Christ coming to the earth was to restore mankind back to God, and also to its original position of authority, dignity, honor, etc. before the fall of Man. Everything Adam and Eve lost due to disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God is restoring to mankind through Jesus Christ.
Examples abound in the Bible of restoration: Esau and Jacob had their battered relationship restored back after several years (Genesis 33:1-17). Nebuchadnezzar the king was restored back to his throne after 7 years of insanity (Daniel 4: 28-37). Manoah - Samson’s father - had 2 lost opportunities of divine encounter with an angel restored back to him (Judges 13:2-21). Samson’s hair began to grow again, his anointing was restored back to him after he fell into the hands of the Philistines (Judges 16:21-22). King David had his strained relationship with God and the joy of His salvation restored to him; God further testified of Him as a man after His heart (Acts 13:22). Job had the material goods that he lost restored two fold back to him; He got double for his trouble. He also had all his children – seven sons and three daughters restored to him. Job’s latter end was blessed than his beginning (Job 42:12-17). Moses had his original divine assignment and calling restored back after 40 years (Exodus 3). The woman with the issue of blood for 12 years suddenly had her failed health restored (Mark 5:25-34). Abraham and Sarah had their youthful vitality restored to them in their old age so as to be able to father a child (Hebrews 11:11-12). The prodigal son was restored back to fellowship and to the loving arms of his father after wandering away (Luke 15:11-32).
Examples of restoration abound in the Bible because God’s preoccupation is to restore. Satan’s main preoccupation is to steal, take, decrease, diminish, divide, etc while God’s main deal is to restore, give, add, multiply, increase, etc. The nation of Israel had their territory and sovereignty restored back in 1948 after being a stateless nation for many centuries. We have seen God take prisoners and make them presidents of nations. For with God, nothing shall be impossible (Luke 1:37).
Note that every miracle of restoration is a cooperation with God. For God to stretch His hand towards you and cause restoration to occur, the following is imperative:
Repent and be converted: “So, repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return to God, that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, and of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19, AMP). The Bible also refers to repentance from dead works, which are unproductive activities we are engage in that don’t deliver results. Repentance from willful sin and also from dead works is a must for restoration to occur.
Forgive those who have hurt you: “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10). Job’s friend had accused him wrongly of secret sins when his calamities befell him in one day. Even though they hurt him, Job had to forgive and pray for them first in order to receive his restoration. Who are you holding in the prison of your heart? You have to release them before restoration takes place.
Believe: God’s wisdom, power, might and glory is revealed when He turns impossible and hopeless situations around. Many believe God’s ability but they doubt His willingness to act in their behalf. Do you believe God is willing to intervene for you? He is willing to bring restoration to you so that Christ’s redemptive work will be meaningful in your life, and others who don’t believe will be won to Him as a result of His dealings in your life.
Declare restoration boldly: In Isaiah 42:22, the Bible shows us how the Israelites remained in their sorry and pitiful situations because none of them declared restoration. The Bible enjoins us to boldly declare the Lord is my helper (Hebrews 13:6). Bold declarations of restoration over time will result in manifestations of restoration.
CONCLUSION: As 2010 begins to wind up, look up to the God of restoration. Are you anxious already thinking that your expectations for this year have been largely unmet? In one day, Joseph was brought from the prison to the palace. In one swoop, Pharaoh and his army were destroyed in the Red Sea. As you cooperate with God, He will restore all in His time. Have a blessed month.
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Ade(Gboyega) ESAN
www.rccgpittsburgh.net
http://gboyegae.blogspot.com
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