Date: 15 February 2023
Preacher: Apostle General Jannie Ngwale
Editor: Mrs Nthabiseng Motubatse
Principal Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 8:1-6
Secondary Scripture Readings: 2 Kings 4, Joel 2:25-26
In life, we all go through various struggles and challenges, which can leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. Sometimes we may feel like we have hit rock bottom, and there is no way out. However, the Bible tells us that God is a God of restoration, and there is always hope for a better tomorrow. The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8:1-6 is a perfect example of how God can turn a hopeless situation around and bring restoration to our lives.
In this message we will be looking closely at what God means when He speaks about restoration. Examining the story of the Shunammite woman and getting an understanding of the promise of restoration in the Bible. In this message it becomes evident that the season of restoration is now, and Apostle General Jannie Ngwale further shows us through scripture what happens when restoration comes.
The Story of the Shunammite Woman
The story of the Shunammite woman begins in 2 Kings 4, where we learn that she was a wealthy and influential woman who lived in the town of Shunem. She and her husband had no children, but she was known for her kindness and hospitality, and had even built a room in her house for the prophet Elisha to stay in whenever he visited the town. Elisha was grateful for her generosity, and he asked her what he could do for her in return. She didn't ask for anything, but Elisha, knowing that she had no children, prophesied that she would have a son within the year.
Sure enough, the Shunammite woman conceived and gave birth to a son, but tragically, when the boy was a young child, he became ill and died in her arms. The woman was heartbroken and devastated, but instead of giving up, she sought out Elisha, and he miraculously brought her son back to life. This event is a testament to the power of God and His ability to restore what was once lost.
The Promise of Restoration in the Bible
In 2 Kings 8 verses 1-6, we learn that the Shunammite woman and her family were forced to leave their home and flee to the land of the Philistines because of a famine in their own land. They lived there for seven years, but when the famine was over, the woman returned to her home in Shunem, only to find that her property had been taken over by someone else. She went to the king of Israel to plead her case, cited in 2 Kings 8 verse 6 “And when the king asked the woman, she told him. The king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.” and it just so happened that the king was speaking with Elisha's servant, Gehazi, at that very moment. Gehazi told the king about the woman and her son, and the king was so moved by her story that he not only ordered her property to be restored to her, but also gave her back all the income from her land during the seven years that she had been away.
The Season of Restoration is Now
This story is a powerful reminder of God's restorative power, and how He can take what was once lost and restore it to us in ways that we never imagined. The Shunammite woman lost her son and her property, but God brought her son back to life and restored her land and income. He didn't just give her back what she had lost, but He also blessed her beyond measure.
The concept of restoration is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is something that God promises to all His people. In Joel 2:25-26, God says, " And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, 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." This passage speaks to the idea that no matter what we have lost, whether it be time, possessions, or relationships, God can restore it to us in ways that are beyond our understanding.
The season of restoration is now, and the Lord is unleashing it. Whatever has been lost or owed to you, the Lord is sending an easterly wind, and it is all about to come back to your life. When restoration comes, it will come in a way of a setup, and it will be addressed. It will be the finger of God, the hand of God is in operation in your life. The arrangements of God are going to be evident in your life, God Almighty is going to be punctual in your life. God will never be late in your life.
When Restoration Comes
The main story of the woman who lost her land and house is a powerful illustration of restoration. The king broached the subject of Elijah's miracles, which was a setup to call his attention to the woman who had just walked into the court. The woman had lost her land and house, and the court was talking about what God had done in her life. The king felt obligated to restore everything that the woman had lost. When God begins to walk and work in your life, you will be dumbfounded sometimes you will pinch yourself and say, "What has come on me." The miracle will be so precise and accurate that it will be impossible to miss.
In conclusion your miracle is not going to pass you by in a minute. It will be so punctual that it will be able to meet you at the right time, at the right spot, and at the right place. When restoration comes, it will come to the right address and the right person. This message is a message of hope and encouragement, emphasizing that restoration is possible and will come at the right time.
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